Zarebian Nights
Chapter One
The glow of the new day edged its way across the horizon, chasing away the darkness. It was early June and Zareb, who had spent most of the night trying to get comfortable, had only just drifted off when sunlight shone directly into his sleepy eyes. The sight of the grazing impala on the lush green terrain made him feel hungry. The giraffes, with their languorous gait, made their way to the tallest trees to feed. A flock of birds flew gracefully in perfect unison. Zareb lifted his head, closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh air; the rains were on their way.
Listening carefully there seemed to be no sign of the two-legged beasts. The metal cage was still locked and Zareb knew he had to be patient. Something he never came to terms with in the six months since the zoo had become his home and the cage his keeper.
"Hey spots, c'mon wake up it's gonna be beautiful day."
"Acey I see you are cheery this day."
"You know me spots, where the gossips tasty, that's where you'll find Acey."
Zareb gave Acey a dark stare.
"Well spots I see you're in a good mood. I heard from the primates that Ellie finally had her calf, I mean honestly, two years no wonder they say elephants never forget."
Zareb remained expressionless.
"The migrating birds haven’t stopped chirping all today; you’d think they were the only ones who ever travelled. Badru and the other Meerkats are still planning their escape."
Acey gave a small chuckle. "As for the..." Zareb rolled his eyes. "Well anyway.” Acey, judging by Zareb's blank look,wasn't listening. "You're gonna have a new home soon."
Zareb leapt from the makeshift branch.
"What?" Acey scuttled closer. Zareb listened intently, a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes and the smallest of grins donned the face marred by incarceration. The chattering of the primates alerted both leopard and mouse to the arrival of the two-legged ones. Zareb looked out onto the English country landscape, a waft of summer breeze swept across his face. Zareb longed to chase across the African horizon, to feel his powerful paws thudding across the Sub-Saharan terrain, languishing in the Zarebian nights.
The proposed transfer was his chance to escape.
He'd be home soon with Nabila and his family.
***
Don wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, taking a long drink of water. His irritability increasing with each passing second. He had spent all morning keeping an eye on the leopard watching him pace up and down in his cage showing his usual contempt towards the visitors. Sometimes he felt he had more in common with the caged leopard than the people he worked with. What a job it was, cleaning out cages, fetching water and food and following orders barked at him by his many superiors. He was glad he'd found solace under the white oak. Here he could dream of life by the sea. Spending the days surfing and the nights clubbing. Of course, money would never be a problem, not once the deal went through. Gazing back at the leopard, his ticket to a carefree life.
***
It was early evening when Gini finally finished. Short staffed as always, she was busier than ever. Not that she ever complained, she liked her job. Opening up the lunch, she wanted to eat hours ago, throwing crumbs at the little field mouse, who seemed to find her no matter where she was. Acey found this particular two-legged affable. There was something about her nature that he trusted. He moved closer before a thundering roar stopped him in his tracks, too frightened to move, he was frozen motionless. "It's alright little mouse, don't be frightened." Gini placed the little mouse on top of the haystack before retreating into the office. Acey opened his eyes to find the blue skies had turned grey, the breeze was now a gust and cold consumed the air. The rains had finally arrived. Acey jumped onto the floor only to be grabbed by the tail and hung upside down - it was Don.
“Hello there mate, where you going off to then? I need you to keep my pet snake company, only temporarily mind.” The sinister laugh that followed sent a chill through the little mouse’s spine as the van door shut.
Chapter Two
Zareb remained still, listening, watching and waiting. All he needed was one chance, as soon as the cage door opened, this was his cue. Where was Acey? There was a sudden rustle of footsteps behind the cage, Zareb couldn’t see but his senses told him to be alert. He began pacing again until he saw the two-legged ones approaching. Zareb moved to the back of the cage, crouching down low, his heart racing and his eyes fixed on the cage door. Slowly it began to open, the gap getting wider, he charged with all his might, overthrowing the two-legged. He was free, running blindly from the chaos into the safety of the wooded area. Not
4
daring to stop until all he could hear is the gentle rushing of the water, stopping briefly to drink. Looking behind him, he couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling of being watched.
Gini couldn’t decide whom she was more cross at, the keepers who failed to follow protocol in transferring the leopard or at herself. She could only imagine how frightened Zareb would be. She ran to the Land Rover, the tyres screeching as the driver and one of the keepers drove into the woodland, the chase was on. Wild with anticipation, Gini's eyes desperately searching and hoping that the leopard would make it back home.
Acey could hear nothing; the silence frightened him more than the roar of the van engine. He wasn’t sure but guessed the new dawn had risen. The night was cold and lonely and he was hungry, very hungry. The sound of footsteps approaching the van made his heart race faster. Sure enough, the engine started and Acey was left wondering at his fate. A tiny gap revealed Don on what Simon the swallow had told him was a phone. Mainly used for talking and judging the harsh tones, the conversation was intense. Acey deducted he was being taken to keep the snake company!
The chase got faster, the leopard chased on ahead, but the vehicle gained speed. Zareb’s eyes scanning for a place to hide, darting to avoid the huge net. It was too late, the net shrouded him like a veil, he felt his legs give way as the net became tighter. All Zareb could hear was the sound of his own anger and disappointment. He knew all too well the smell of poachers. He was still panting for breath as the cage door closed, unable to watch he closed his eyes. It was over; he’d never get another chance. He had to resign himself to living in a cage for the rest of his life. Acey moved closer to the box, balancing on his hind legs, sniffing the air. It was unmistakable; he’d recognise that cat smell anywhere. “Zareb, Zareb my mate - that you?” He fell silent praying for an answer. “Zareb it’s me Acey.”
Answered by silence.
“HEY SPOTSSSS!”
“Acey?” Zareb’s felt his spirits rise all at once.
“I knew it was you spots. What happened? How did you...”
“I ran for all the good it’s done me.”
The movement of the van made Zareb feel sick. “Look at me destined to be the victim of poachers forever.”
“It’s Don from the zoo. I heard him talking. He probably has a buyer, an exotic animal collector, that’s probably where we’re going now.”
A sudden cloud of sorrow descended leaving rodent and the big cat speechless, knowing all too well the fate that awaited them.
Chapter three
Gini was glad they didn’t find the leopard at least he was free. She only hoped he’d be okay. Unable to communicate this amidst the rumours of Don’s disappearance and avoiding intrusive questions from the gathering press. Gini knew she’d made the right decision.
The journey seemed long. The doors opened to reveal a flying machine. Zareb didn’t have to be told, he knew he was going to be taken far away and he’d never see his family again. “Spots, I mean Zareb, bite them, scratch at them - get up, DON'T just sit there.” Acey fell out of the box onto the floor narrowly avoiding being trodden. “Zareb?”
He watched as his friend was taken away, his heart heavy, a single tear fell onto his little cheek, wondering if he’d ever see his friend again. “Goodbye spots” he whispered as the doors closed on the flying machine ascending like a bird into the night sky.
Zareb managed to drink, though cared little for the food. The sound of the flying machine numbed his senses but he could swear he heard....
“Zareb?” He heard it again.
“Acey is that you?”
“Acey? No it’s me Badru.”
Looking up Zareb was overjoyed to see the Meerkat. All at once, he seemed to be surrounded by lots of Meerkats.
“What are you all doing here?”
“We ran away, same as you. Isn’t it great?”
The laughter was short lived as the flying machine descended jolting to a standstill. Overcome by anger, Zareb was ready to tear are his captures. He didn’t care where he was, no man would be his master. As the doors opened the Meerkats rushed out, leaving the two-legged ones confused. Zareb stood up, smelling the air. It had been a long time but there was no mistaking it. It was Africa and he was home.
“Delivered as promised and on time Sir, your special delivery.”
The cage doors opened, Zareb needed no invitation, bolting across the Sub-Saharan terrain, charging faster and faster never looking back.
Acey recanted the tale of Zareb’s bravery it gave the animals hope. He visited the zoo everyday, feeling sad whenever he passed Zareb’s cage.
“Good Morning Acey.” The mouse stood still in his tracks.
“Simon, got a message for you. It’s from your friend. He wants you to know, he’s the proud father of three cubs, the eldest he named after you.” Acey overjoyed scuttled towards the swallow.
“You mean...”
“Yes thanks to a helping hand.” Gesturing towards Gini. “Zareb made it home.”
Although sadly the story wasn't selected for the book, the message does say that animals belong in the wild, not in zoos and is very well-written. The young author did have her drawing included in the book ... shown below:
About the Author
Khairun-Nisaa Ahmed is in her final year at Manor High
School in the East Midlands. She first became interested
in writing through the English Literature lessons in school.
Since then she has created a great many characters who
have gone on many quests and she is hopeful that she will
become a published author one day. She aspires to be like the
characters that she writes about and would like to travel to
lots of different countries, including Africa. As a future career
she either wants to study to become a vet or a palaeontologist.
She is looking forward to the new academic year when she
starts college (no uniform - yeah). In the meantime, she has
taken up lots of hobbies such as collecting sea glass, seashells
and even unusual shaped pebbles which she keeps in a vanity
case that she and her mother decorated with memorable
knick-knacks, so they all have a story behind them.
At the moment she is working on Shoujo Art Studio
to create her own Manga comics. She can’t wait until the
holidays because her mother has promised to take her on a
beach holiday.
Finally, she hopes to write more stories and draw more
pictures for Paws n Claws in the future.
By
Khairun-Nisaa Ahmed (Years 7 and 8)
