The author commences the story with the narrator, an english-native, and his recent involvement with the Masai tribe for the purpose of writing a book. The narrator describes his acquaintance, En-Gerr, a young member of the Masai tribe, as well as his prolonged quest towards manhood. Along the storyline the narrator finds himself emotionally attached to a local pride of lions, but primarily their leader, of whom he names El Asfar. The narrator reveals the pride to his dear friend En-gerr, and is displeased with his choice to kill the worthy El Asfar, which he must do in order to become a respected part of Masai society. En-gerr patiently waits for the proper moment before collecting the tribe to kill the lion. As they near the lions den a fight
