The talking drums of Bala thunder out a tale of high adventure. Themba and his wife, Sisiwe, along with Mother Makanya and the rest of the villagers in his tribe, tremble in terror and groan in misery. The whole community toils and sweats in sorrow and starts at the ferocious roar of their king, Sihkulumi, the Great Lion. Grandsire Damasi, a wise and sly elder, sets upon Themba the task of questing to the land beyond the hills. Should he dare, he will meet here the challenge of the three tests; and should he pass them, acquire the Ivory Necklace of Wisdom. Can Themba find the courage, cleverness, and wisdom to defeat the great and terrible lion Sihkulumi and somehow end the pain and suffering of his people? Now come with him as he taps the Staff of Truth three times and find out!