“Zoriarck, an abominable town where blood sheds its blood”.
A tall silhouette with grey draping hair stood above the hills that overlooked Zoriarck. An eagle rested on her left shoulder. Her eyes devoid of pupils, she cast an intense gaze over the village. Thunder vibrated the earth before lightning traveled a straight path through the entire village. The sound of crickets and birds chirping quietened as they took flight.
In the royal house was the queen of Zoriarck clad in a brown python skin regalia, and her heiress Zora stroking her feet affectionately. Zora wore a garment made of crocodile skin flowing from her shoulders to her knees and sat at the foot of her mother's royal chair.
The Queen's chamber was a sight to behold. It had an air of magnificence. The bamboo walls were coated in gold and rafia palms lined the floor to create a soft cushion for the feet. By her side were many collections of arrows, pointers, spears, and other extraordinary weapons. The queen took pride in her possessions. A sage pot burned in the middle of the chamber and two beautiful females flagged the queen's chair on both sides.
“Mother! Why do the other clans avoid us like a plague? Is it because Zoriarck is the only clan with a female ruler and successor?” Zora asked her mother as she gently lifted her mother's legs and placed them on her lap.
“Listen to me child. You come from a line of brave women. Amazons who cower before no one. You are not a plague. You are so strong and powerful. They fear who and what you are. What Zoriarck stands for-the truth”. The Queen majestically adjusted her seat. She sat high and proud on her throne oozing so much grace and audacity. A befitting match for her royal chambers.
“let me tell you the tale about how we came to be. I thought I would save it for when you came of age but you are wise beyond your years”. She adjusted her crown and began her story.
Shelda emerged from the darkness holding a firewood torch to guide her path on the left, and on the right, she held a walking stick. She came to where Makani stood and made her presence known. Shelda was a fierce woman of few words. She believed in action. “This isn't the time to ponder too long. It is time to act”. Shelda spoke without blinking her eyes as she stared in the same direction as Makani.
Makani, the greatest warrior and supposed heir to the throne of Zoriarck had been standing on the mountain top for hours unending. He had refused to speak to anyone after the revelation of the seer that morning. Though young and wilful, his mother had influenced most of the decisions he made in his lifetime.
Shelda massaged her son's coal-black shiny shoulders as she whispered in his ears, “my son, you are the king of kings and heir to this throne given to you by the gods. No man born of a woman can take it from you. You are of the gods”. Shelda was old and grey but her voice held so much depth, power, and conviction.
Makani frowned gazing into space. The reflection of burning flame from the torch revealed his hot red eyes. His heartbeat was pulsating and threatening to burst out of his built chest.
“Didn't you hear the seer mother? He came to warn me. If I am truly of the gods, why did he say that a mortal from the East would see the end of me? He said and I quote, ‘be wary. The forgotten one from the east will emerge blood and sand’. He also said that Nnennu’s curse will prevail. Will I ever be able to rule like my father?”.
“Enough Makani! That man was no king and you are not his seed. Will you stand here, accept that old fool's words or match to the east and end whatever is threatening to get in your way? I didn't get your father out of the way for you to stand here and ponder. He never deserved you. You do not quiver like a mere mortal. You are Makani, the seed the gods put in my womb”. Shelda grew wild and roared like a beast. A raven flying above let out a loud crow.
Her roaring was like fuel to Makani’s throbbing heart. He gazed deeply into his mother's eyes like a raging lion and quickly vanished into the darkness down the mountain. His mother had awakened a fire in him. Something she was excellent at doing. She rested her chin upon her right hand and continued to stare into the gloaming nothingness.
Makani paced up and down in his royal chambers. He was still seething. “Guards! Summon Zuko here right now”. He thundered. his voice echoed through his chambers down to his mother's hut. She smiled sinisterly.
“My King, you sent for me. What has kept you awake and in rage late at this hour of the night?” Zuko Makani’s best friend and confidante inquired gazing below upon the king. Zuko was fierce in his physique yet gentle as a dove. His tall built figure and piercing eyes made him appear very intimidating.
“Sit down Zuko. It is time we head East my friend. Our enemies lie low there waiting for a time to attack. It is best we surprise them now with our move”. Makani smacked his fists together.
“What enemies Makani? We have left nothing unturned in the east in your blind quest for power and dominance”.
Makani shot him a death look and continued. “Summon Maila my war general. We must leave before the full moon”. He commanded
Zuko let out a sigh. “You humor me my king. The Maila you have banished into the cursed wilderness?” he replied mockingly. He did not mince nor sugar-coat his words.
“Then you will be my general. Prepare the warriors. What keeps you in my presence still?” He turned to look at Zuko’s perplexed expression. “ Do you wish to join Maila?”.
Zuko squinted forward to Makani and said, “I'm afraid there may be no room for me in the wilderness. You've cast too many out there, the forest is threatening to cave in”. He curved a smile on the left side of his lips and bowed before his king.
What will Makani find in the east?
Who is Nnennu and what's her curse?
Stay stunned.
This is my entry to the Scholarandscribe/dreemport challenge;
Part 1 of 3.
