Super Story: Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2)

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

“Adaora…” Chinedum called calmly, trying very hard not to scoop her into his arms and hug her. He had no lustful intentions towards her but he had grown fond of her and he cared for her. His children had fallen in love with her.
Uli weakly raised her head to see the owner of the beautiful voice. She forgot the pain that momentarily bit into her skin.
Slowly, Adaora turned around. Her eyes widened in shock. Her feet were glued to the spot where she stood. Cold washed over her.
“Master?” Her lips fell apart.
“Don’t be afraid. I am no spirit. I…” He bit his lip as he noticed that the wounded maiden was watching him.
Adaora covered her lips with her palms to prevent herself from screaming. Tears rushed down her cheeks.
“You came…you came to save me?” She couldn’t believe it.
At this point, he couldn’t hold himself back. He launched forward and pulled the crying maiden into his arms.
“I came to save you and retrieve the dagger.” He whispered so Uli wouldn’t understand. Adaora released her hands and wrapped it around him. She sobbed against his chest as she remembered her last time at Ezeudo. She had just finished putting Adaugo and Ikenna to sleep, and then she had gone to the stream to fetch water.
Chinedum sighed with relief.
“Everyone was so worried about you. It was Okeke, the palm wine tapper that told us about the kidnap because he had been around the stream area.”
“I tried to fight them but they were stronger than I am…” She pulled away from his arms gently.
Chinedum nodded. He smiled and searched her green eyes.

“You don’t have to be secretive anymore. I know about your powers and your destiny. You are meant for the King, Ikemba of Ezeudo. He sent me to rescue you. We all know that you are the moon virgin-the living representation of Ituri and Anyanwu.”
Adaora licked her lips and stepped away from him. How did her master know all these about her? She had never told anyone about herself except Oriaku.
“But how did you…?” She paused.
“That would be a story for another day. I must treat your friend now.” He walked closer to Uli who was now writhing on the ground.
“I see you have made friends…” He knelt beside Uli, hoping to get details about the relationship with Adaora.
Adaora was smart enough to know this.
“You can relax around her. She is Chiemelie’s sister, but she doesn’t fight on his side. She has been the one helping me and showing me the evil plans that the King of Amabara has for Ezeudo.”
Uli had closed her eyes the moment Chinedum advanced towards her. She couldn’t stand him because he was extremely handsome. His dark skin glowed under the mild sun that illuminated the boundary. His chest was covered with hairs. His body was lean and hard; his legs were hairy too. He had a straight nose and thick lips. It was the kindness in his dark eyes that melted her heart. Uli felt embarrassed at her own self. How could she be admiring a stranger whom she had just seen and in her condition?
“I am sorry pretty one. I shot the arrow hoping to kill that dangerous serpent; I didn’t mean to hurt you…” Chinedum smiled as he stared at her pretty face. Uli wasn’t as beautiful as Adaora. Neither could she match Obiajulu in beauty. But there was something about her that drew him, perhaps it was the fact that she was the sister to the wickedest creature on earth yet had a beautiful spirit.
Uli took in his scent. He smelt of earth; of sweat and of bravery but she still liked him. She thought about the dream she had. A stranger had walked towards her by the boundary. Her heart skipped as she remembered it. Was this the stranger?
“I have to administer the antidote. The arrow was poisoned.” Chinedum bellowed. He took off the bag that he carried and pulled out a black vial.
“Thank you for saving us…” Adaora smiled and knelt next to him.
Chinedum knew administering the antidote would be difficult.
“You’ll have to do it. Pour the black content into your mouth; breathe thrice and pour it into her lips and that’s how it works.”
Adaora raised her brows as she imagined touching the princess with her lips.
“I think it is appropriate that you do it because it is your poison…” Adaora quickly rose to her feet and returned to plucking the herbs, this time she was more careful. She didn’t want Chinedum to force her into administering the antidote.
Chinedum sighed.
“I am sorry pretty one, but I cannot let you die…” He emptied the content of the vial into his mouth and leaned forward.
Uli died a thousand times as she heard him whisper. As his warm breath poured on her face, her heart raced wildly. Gently, Chinedum touched her lips. Uli couldn’t resist the softness of his mouth. She opened at once and he emptied the bitter liquid into her mouth.
He was supposed to pull his lips away from her after that, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t explain what drove him at the moment but he found himself tasting of her sweet mouth. He slid his tongue inside her mouth, licked her lips…Uli enjoyed every bit of what he was doing to her. When he suddenly realized what had happened, Chinedum quickly pulled away from the princess.
Just in time, the antidote evoked a dry cough from her lips and she straightened. When she opened her eyes, they locked with Chinedum’s but he quickly looked away.
“Princess!” Adaora rushed towards her.
“What about the stomach wound?” Uli fired rudely.
“I will apply the Ikele herbs. It would heal.” Adaora responded.
Chinedum felt comfortable and confused. He wasn’t a man that lost control easily. He made a mental note to stay away from the princess.
“This is my master and he has come to work with us. You can trust him.” Adaora went on to explain Chinedum’s mission to the princess. Uli was pleased that a man could be that courageous. She wished he could turn around and look at her.
“Do you plan to find the dagger by hiding between the rocks?” She called out to him.
Chinedum scoffed. She had a sharp tongue like Obiajulu.
“Is hiding between the rocks a bad thing?” He inhaled deeply and turned to face her.
Uli had a perfect idea and she didn’t waste time in sharing it.
“What if you follow us back to the palace? I could find you a hut to live. This would make your job easier.”
Adaora and her master were confused.
“How is that possible? The palace is heavily guarded,” Adaora reminded her.
“I guess you hate me so much. Chiemelie will strike me down.”
Uli felt bad that he thought she hated him.
“Um, if you come with us, I will show my brother my wound. I will tell him that I and Adaora were taking a walk towards the stream and a serpent attacked us. I will tell him of a stranger who showed kindness to his sister.”
That sounded plausible to Chinedum, but there was one problem.
“How do I disguise myself? He would ask about my land of origin?”
With the help of Adaora, Uli rose to her feet and limped towards him.
“My brother may be a devil, but I am his sister. Tell him anything you want but don’t mention Ezeudo. You shall swear his oath but eat of the Ikele herbs with us. On our way to the palace, we will reach a conclusion.”
Adaora noticed the way Uli warmed up to her master. It wasn’t the same treatment that the princess had given to her the first time she came. Adaora smiled as they walked away from the boundary, for the goddess had whispered in her ear. Chinedum was attracted to the princess. And the princess was fascinated by him.

TO BE CONTINUED

Source: Davina Diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 20

Adaora noticed the way Uli warmed up to her master. It wasn’t the same treatment that the princess had given to her the first time she came. Adaora smiled as they walked away from the boundary, for the goddess had whispered in her ear. Chinedum was attracted to the princess. And the princess was fascinated by him.

“We don’t have a plan on how we’ll retrieve the dagger from the King’s palace.” Uli alerted the rest as they marched towards the palace. Adaora finally understood why the goddess had brought her to Amabara. She’d noticed the shyness in Princess Uli whenever she stole a glance at her master’s face. This was another confirmation that the gods had brought here for a reason.
“That’s a good thought. But don’t you think we should focus on how to make our story believable? We must convince your brother that we were in trouble and this kind man saved us.” Adaora replied.
Chinedum had been observing the paths of the Kingdom. He didn’t see it necessary to join the maidens in their conversation. While his ears were with them, his heart was for home. He thought about his little children and the stubborn woman whom he had left behind. He knew Obiajulu would be very unhappy with him, but he couldn’t have seen an opportunity to save Adaora and reject it.
“What do you think master?” Adaora turned to him.
“We do not have time to waste. The princess is right. We must find a way to retrieve Ituri’s knife as fast as we can. Don’t think for a minute that Chiemelie is a fool. He may believe our story for a short time, but we have to be quick.” Chinedum was determined to take the dagger from the palace and run with Adaora back home.
Uli admired his courage. Not many men would have genuine love for their slaves like Chinedum. He was a responsible man, fit enough for a princess. But her heart sank as she thought about his wife and children. She liked Chinedum already. Though he wouldn’t say a word to her, her spirit was drawn to him.
However, Uli didn’t want a man that already had a wife. She was a royalty and everything given to her had to be brand new. Perhaps the gods were wrong. Perhaps this wasn’t the man she had seen by the boundary in her vision.
“When do we go for the dagger?” Adaora whispered as they neared the palace.
Chinedum didn’t have any idea.
“What do you think princess?” He turned to Uli. He admired her for her smartness. Not many women would have this boldness to pursue justice. He loved that she fought on the right side. He also loved that she stood for what was right not minding the consequences of her action.
Uli smiled and stole a glance at his handsome face.
“Currently, the inhabitants of Amabara are taking their oath of allegiance. On the decree of the King, the oath-taking is to last for three days. This is the first day. We will wait. We will blend in. On the third night, we’ll find a way to reach the dagger. But I must warn you two, it is safeguarded and bound by many spells that only a supernatural can break.”
“Very well then, we shall try our luck or die trying…” Chinedum returned her smile.
As they reached the entrance of the palace, Princess Uli noticed that her mother, the Queen had been standing outside with some elders. From the look on their faces, they were talking about something important but she didn’t care.
“Where is my brother?” Uli barked at one of the guards.
“He is attending to some chiefs.” The guard returned with a bow. Uli licked her lips and stared at her mother once more. Something horrible had happened.
“What is going on?” She shifted closer to the guard, while her companions continued to stare.
The guard cleared his throat and announced that an abomination had just happened.
“This morning, some maidens had gone to the Amabara stream to fetch some water. They found a body by the bank. It seemed the person was attacked and dropped there. The chief priest, Igwekala has decreed that no one must drink or fetch from the stream for seven days.”
Uli was shocked, “So what would the people drink? We cannot go to the river, because the goddess of that river is very unfriendly. Children and women drown every year. There must be a way out.”
She quickly turned towards Adaora and Chinedum.
“Follow me…”
Chinedum noticed the concern that had glowed in her eyes as she talked about the stream. Though she was a princess, she still cared about the wellbeing of her people.
Efuru had been discussing the latest happening with the chiefs when she noticed her daughter walking in with a stranger. She recognized the moon goddess but not the other man. The Queen also noticed the bloodstain on Uli’s wrapper.
“My child, are you alright?” The Queen rushed towards the princess.
Though Uli wasn’t her favorite, she still loved her.
“What happened?” She asked.
Adaora licked her lips and prayed that her lies worked.
“After taking the oath, we decided to go for a walk. Out of nowhere some men attacked us. They shot the princess and were ready to molest me, but for this kind man who showed up at the right time…” Adaora gestured at Chinedum whose head was bowed.
The Queen and the elders were surprised at this story, but they believed it.

TO BE CONTINUED

Story by Davina diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 21

“Oh my child, the gods have vindicated us!” She pulled the princess into her arms and gave her a warm a hug.
The elders shook hands with Chinedum and thanked him for saving the life of their princess and moon virgin.
“You have done well…” The Queen smiled at Chinedum after releasing her daughter.
“Thank you my Queen,” he bowed.
“What is your name stranger and where do you come from?” She ran her eyes over the man. The Queen found him very attractive; attractive enough for her Uli. She loved the fierceness of his dark eyes. He reminded her of her late husband, who had never showed fear even in the face of defeat.
Chinedum could feel the woman’s eyes all over him but in a good way. Naturally, there was an aura about him which caused many people to be drawn towards him. It was time to paint a profile which didn’t exist.
“You may call me Ezechi, I come from the land of Izi. I was travelling back to my hometown when I heard these maidens screaming for help.”
His story was plausible because Izi was the next land after Amabara.
“You are one of us then…come, let me show you to the King.” The Queen took his hands and led him away.
Uli couldn’t help but notice his firm legs; those were legs of a man who knew the names of sands and the beats of the forest. Those legs belonged to a man who understood the language of peace and the voices of war.
“It seems your mother has fallen in love with my master…” Adaora teased.
Uli swallowed and quickly pulled her eyes away from Chinedum’s backside.
“ I never knew the moon virgin had such a sharp tongue.” Uli scoffed.
The friends were still talking about Chinedum, when one of Uli’s maids stopped by.
“My princess, the woman has awoken.”
“What woman?” Uli wondered.
The maid, Nkolika, carefully explained that the body that had been found at the stream turned out to be female. At first, the Queen had wanted nothing doing with that problem, but when the woman sneezed and returned to life, the Queen decided to keep her for questioning.
“The gods be praised! Can she talk? Does she remember anything?” Uli inquired.
“Yes, she requested for some water. Her lips are badly cracked and she suffers from a terrible cut.”
Adaora pulled in a deep breath as she thought of the Ikele leaves in her possession. If this woman turned out to be a good person who had been attacked, she would help her. But if her spirit kicked against it, she wouldn’t.
“Can we see her?” Adaora asked.
“Yes we can.” Uli nodded.
The woman had been placed in an empty hut in the cluster of huts which belonged to the servants. Outside her room, two guards had been placed to keep watch. As the moon virgin and the princess neared the room, they heard sobs. The guards quickly moved to give the maidens way. With a swift push by the princess, the door flew wide open.
It was Adaora that spoke the woman’s name first.
“Oriaku?”
Chiemelie’s eyes were on the dagger next to him. He could feel the energy that rose from the object. It was a majestic piece and he was pleased to have it by his side. Due to the latest happening in the kingdom, he couldn’t go ahead with his plans. The sacrifice of the moon virgin was to be carried out after the oath taking, but things were on pause until the land was cleansed.
“Tell me oracle of the gods, is there no way we can move on with the oath-taking? It’s not like the woman in question is dead. How does her presence at the stream defile that water body?” He asked.
Igwekala sat by the foot of the throne. He was a white garment which was studded with pieces of glazing stones and cowries. His legs were crossed as he stared at the reddish Kolanuts before him.
“Do you doubt the ways of the gods? They are supreme…” He replied the King after consulting with the spirits in operation.
Chiemelie sighed.
“I just can’t wait to wield this knife. I will cut through Ikemba’s cursed belly. I will feed his bones to the dogs and his flesh to the vultures. I will bring death to all those who stand against me.”
“You must be patient. All our dreams shall manifest at the right time.” The oracle encouraged.
Chiemelie watched as the chiefs-in-council began to leave. The oracle rose to join them, but not before leaving a final message.
“In all that you do, listen to the inner workings of you. The dogs are near, more than we expected.” The older man bowed before the king and strolled out of the room of meeting.
It was a short time after his exit, which his mother walked in with a tall stranger who reminded him of the man he hated most. Without knowing who this man was, Chiemelie began to resent him. But he quickly shook it off and reminded himself that the stranger only resembled Ikemba and wasn’t his exact representation.
“My King,” his mother called sweetly.
“Mother…” Chiemelie dragged lazily from the throne.
Chinedum bowed even though he hated doing it. This was the first time that he was coming face to face with the man who intended to kill his cousin. Chiemelie had innocent features. His eyes were clear and calm; no mischief could be read there. Obviously, he was a charmer, so many would want to be close to him without knowing the evil branch that sprouted in his heart.
“This man here from Izi, saved your sister and the moon virgin from some bandits. He must be rewarded for his kind acts before continuing his journey back home.” The Queen then went into details about everything that had happened.
Though Chiemelie was impressed with the story, he was careful not to show it. There was something about this man that unsettled him. It kept him wondering and at unrest. Was he evil?
“Does the man who saved my sister have a name?”
“I am Ezechi, the son of Izu of Izi. I am a traveler. I was on my way when I heard the maidens calling for help.”
“Ezechi, son of Izu from Izi…” Chiemelie repeated the words.
“Yes, my King,” Chinedum bowed. If he knew the King doubted him, he was careful to hide his emotions.
“You are welcome to stay in my palace as long as you want. But you must pledge allegiance to me because I will be the greatest king in no time. Once I conquer Ezeudo, Izi will swear allegiance to me. I will need an insider then…”
Chinedum wasn’t given any time to think. Chiemelie raised the garment he wore and pushed out his legs. Chinedum understood what this meant. He knew he had to kiss the feet or he would get into trouble.
“Kiss the feet and take notice of the dagger for he plans to change it! He doesn’t trust you!” A still voice whispered in Chinedum’s mind. Unknown to him, he was being watched by Ikemba’s spirit. They were all being watched but they were oblivious of the other presence.
Chinedum clenched his jaw and marched towards the throne. He ran his eyes over the dagger and took note of the three golden stripes at the handle. He fell to his knees and dropped his lips upon the King’s feet.

TO BE CONTINUED

Story by Davina diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 22

Although he hadn’t loved his wife for a very long time, Anosike was plagued with guilt for what he had done to her. Oriaku had tried her best to win his heart, to keep his love but her love wasn’t enough. Days had passed since the death and disappearance of his wife, and nobody had noticed. Oriaku’s absence wouldn’t be unnoticed for too long. She was a good woman and many of the kingdom dwellers loved her. If they had gotten wind of his affair with Obiajulu, he would’ve been greatly hated throughout the seven villages that made up Ezeudo. His wounds had healed perfectly now, and he could stand on his feet.
“May the gods be merciful…” His lips shivered in fear. His heart was heavy as he considered all his misdeeds in the past. Oriaku deserved proper treatment, yet his mistress had treated her body like that of a bush animal. Even bush animals were skinned with dignity.
The King had sent for him. The news of his farmers defiling women had spread like wildfire through the kingdom. Perhaps, the gods were punishing him for what he had done to his wife. A strong fear entered into him which he couldn’t fight. He needed to speak to Obiajulu. He had made up his mind to confront her and end their liaison which never benefitted him. He was prepared for the outcome of this decision.
As he considered the possible outcomes, he heard a knock on the door. At first, he had wanted to ignore it but he shrugged and moved to open it. Surprisingly, it was Okeke his friend. A wave of guilt washed over Anosike as he recalled how Obiajulu had suggested the elimination of Okeke. There was something evil about that woman. Oriaku had always warned him about her, but his lustfulness had blinded him to her true nature.
“My good friend, how long it has been!” Okeke wore a glee smile on his face. He walked into the hut with two kegs of palm wine without invitation.
Anosike was happy to see Okeke. He realized that since his affair with Obiajulu blossomed, he had not spent much time with his friends, especially Chinedum.
“You are welcome Okeke,” Anosike forced a smile, as he tried very hard to cloud his anxiety.
Okeke gently dropped both kegs of palm wine on the floor.
“I present this to you. Initially, I had tapped for two but I learned that Chinedum isn’t around. You must be discreet about this information.”
Anosike raised a brow, “Where is he?”
“I paid a visit to his house. I met his in-law, Ifeyinwa, who told me about it.”
“Oh…” Anosike nodded. He couldn’t believe that Chinedum would leave without telling him. His heart skipped as he considered the possibility of Chinedum knowing about his affair with Obiajulu.
As Anosike pondered, Okeke observed that his best friend was acting out of character. Usually, Anosike was vivacious or grumpy. But this version of the great farmer seemed timid like a bush rabbit. His eyes were filled with wonder and sadness.
“I know that you are worried about your farm. But I do not think Ikemba is an inconsiderate man. He will not take your lands from you.” Okeke had a feeling that Anosike’s mood was related to the trending news of his workers. According to the law of the land, the King had the right to seize any land where evil was being perpetuated.
Anosike wished that could be the bane of his worries. He wished Oriaku could return to life. He wished everything could go back to the beginning. He regretted ever desiring a married woman; his friend’s wife.
“Thank you for your kind words.” He nodded.
Okeke settled on a stool. He had a feeling that Anosike was keeping something from him. He had known this man for many years now.
“Um, what about Oriaku? Where is that good woman?” Okeke smiled.
This question worsened his anxiety. Anosike’s hands began to vibrate. Sweat gathered at the tower of his nose. It was his strong will that prevented his voice from being shaky.
“She is well. She has gone to…she travelled to see her people.” He cut in.
“Hmmm,” Okeke rubbed his beard.
“Why do you stare at me like I stole something?” Anosike scoffed.
Okeke smacked his hands together and rose to his feet. He could tell that Anosike wasn’t being truthful.
“I have known you for many years. I know you are hiding something. I hope that woman isn’t pregnant for you.” He waved a finger over Anosike’s face.
Anosike swallowed and pushed the finger away.
“What woman?” He pretended not to know.
“Obiajulu of course! That woman is evil and would bring you bad luck. I hope you have stopped seeing her.”
Anosike couldn’t fight with Okeke this time, because he knew that his friend had been right all along. But he had been too adamant to listen. He felt ashamed of his actions.
“I have heard you Okeke.” He smiled.
“Ah! This one that you aren’t arguing with me today, I hope everything is alright?” Okeke thought this strange.
“My mind is on the King’s verdict. I will do as you have said.”
As Okeke walked out of the hut, Anosike escorted him outside. The men talked about the disappearance of Adaora. They talked about the people of Amabara and their evil King. Their conversation came to an end when Okeke mounted on his bicycle. As he drove away, Anosike sighed with relief. He felt better after talking to Okeke. Now he would find a way to make things right no matter what it would cost him. He had already lost his god-given wife. What more could he lose?
He crossed his arms against his chest, like a man in mourning.
“If only I had been contented!”
He was about retreating to the hut when the scent of her evil nature wafted into his nostrils. In the past, her fragrance was like an aphrodisiac. It got him excited. It drugged his senses but it was over now. The spell was gone and he was totally free.
“My darling…” Obiajulu had carefully watched the environment before bellowing her presence.
He responded with a deadly stare and silence.
“Good morning,” she smiled and marched towards him. She missed her lover and had come to announce that they would’ve ample time to themselves now that Chinedum was away.
“What are you doing here Obiajulu? You only complicate things for us by constantly showing up at my house uninvited. What do you want to achieve with this unruly behavior?” He couldn’t hold his anger any longer.
She froze in shock. She had witnessed his temper, but it had never been directed towards her.
“Are you angry with me? You are supposed to be happy that I have come…” She fixed her golden eyes on him.
She had taken special care to moisturize her skin with some leaves. She had nourished her skin with coconut oil and shea butter. That wasn’t enough. She had worn the finest beads that he had gotten for her from a popular foreign market. Her feet had been designed with light pink clay. She had expected him to draw her close and give her a calming kiss while she thought of the best punishment for her husband.
“Why should I be happy to see you? You killed my wife and you intend to kill me. We shouldn’t continue with this abomination. It is over between us.” He walked away from her before she could say anything else.
Obiajulu was deeply hurt. She couldn’t believe that Anosike would talk to her like a common slave. Tears rushed down her cheeks as she watched him leave.
“You ungrateful bastard!” She called out to him carelessly, oblivious of the power of the wind. Like the birds of the air, and walls of houses, the wind could carry words.
How could Anosike change overnight? She hadn’t known that Oriaku’s death would hurt him this much. His reaction confirmed her deepest fear; he was only using her to warm his bed. She felt like a fool for going out of her way to love him. At first, she’d wanted to walk away, but she decided to face Anosike. With long strides, she went after him until she reached the hut.
“You are a fool!” She launched her palm towards him but he dodged and held onto it.
“Don’t ever lay your filthy hands on me!” He barked.
She could feel the saltiness of her tears by now.
“How could you turn against me? How could you forget our love and the passion we shared? I sacrificed my marriage and my husband’s love for you. I killed that miserable woman to set you free, for us to love boundlessly. What crime did I commit?”
Anosike scoffed and released her hand.
“We should never have shared any love or passion. It was wrong from the beginning. That wasn’t love. That was lust and we will both be punished. Oriaku was the perfect woman for me, but I was blinded…”
Her skin crawled as she realized he still honored his wife even in death. She found it difficult to believe that Anosike would betray her.
“Please…don’t do this.” She fell on her knees. How could she live without him? She had conditioned her mind to love him always.
“You are wasting your time Obiajulu. If you ever show your face here, I will have no option but to confess to Chinedum. You have wrecked enough havoc. I will tell my wife’s people that she went to the stream and got missing. That should end that matter. You must rise and be on your way.”
As he walked away from her, a soft breeze touched his face. Anosike walked towards the King’s palace like a freeman. He was free because he was on the path of straightening his crooked ways.
“No! This isn’t happening,” Obiajulu’s head dropped on the hard ground as she realized that her world was falling apart. She had mistreated Chinedum. She had played with his feelings and manipulated him. Perhaps, this was the reason he had refused to trust her with his secret mission.
Her shoulders shook as she sobbed. When she was totally weak from crying, she untied her wrapper and used it to clean her face. Her eyeballs were reddish and swollen. Moisture dripped from her nostrils. She wiped them all away.
“I will regain my dignity, no matter the cost!” She swore underneath her breath. With determination, she strolled out of Anosike’s hut, but not without casting one last glance at the home of the man she had fallen in love with and had once loved her.
As she stepped into a path, she heard someone address her.
“You never cared about the information…”
It was Ifeoma the palace maid. Obiajulu bit her lip to prevent herself from screaming at the fool. Though she was interested in her husband’s whereabouts, she was more interested in visiting the oracle of the water deity. She remembered being taken there as a young girl before her marriage with Chinedum had been consummated. It was her mother that had taken her to the shrine of the goddess where she had offered some sacrifices. After her marriage was blessed with the first child, she saw no need to return there. But life wasn’t an easy journey. She had encountered an obstacle in Anosike. It was an obstacle that needed to be removed.
“Oh please! I do not have any cowries to give to you. If you know anything about my husband, just say it or you keep it to yourself.” Obiajulu blasted her.
Ifeoma was surprised.
“For one who seeks information, you are very rude. The information is important but we must trade.”
Obiajulu pulled in a deep breath.
“Fine, will you leave me alone after this?” She quickly untied the waist bead that Anosike had purchased for her and handed it to the maiden.
Ifeoma had always sold information with the hope of receiving a few cowries. She had never received such an expensive gift.
“Why are you giving this to me?” She was shocked.
“Do you want it or not?” Obiajulu was growing impatient.
Ifeoma quickly composed herself.
“Your husband is at Amabara on the King’s command. His duty is to retrieve the sacred and ancient dagger of Ituri, the moon goddess. He is also to rescue Adaora.”
“What?” Obiajulu moved back.
How could the King send her husband on a mission to save Adaora?

TO BE CONTINUED

Story by Davina diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 23

“No…I must do something to stop this!” She shook her head.
“I don’t understand, to stop what?” Ifeoma searched the woman’s eyes.
Obiajulu turned away without answering. As she marched towards the hidden path to the shrine, she found it difficult to shake away the images of Chinedum making love to Adaora. She had always had her fears about that slave girl.
“Now I must take her life for good. I shall cast a spell on Chinedum. He is my husband. He will love me for the rest of my life.”
“The great lion of Ezeudo!” A sharp voice cracked the wall of silence that had built up in the king’s palace. Ikemba had been lost in the spirit realm, but at the call of his name he returned to reality. He shifted uncomfortably as he realized that he had fallen asleep on the throne. He had lost time. He had been caught up in another world.
Slowly, his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the day. He searched the palace for the person that had sung his praise. It was then that he found the oracle of the gods standing at the entrance of the throne room. From the look of things, today was a good day for her. Instead of the normal reddish garments that she wore, the oracle wore a white dress. Her feet were adorned with red dye and her dreadlocks were decorated with snake shells.
“The oracle of the gods,” Ikemba acknowledged her presence.
While she had been worshipping at the shrine, the gods had revealed something quite mysterious to her. She had fallen into a trance. The gods had shown her an evil tree that sprouted at the frontage of Chinedum’s compound. It had many pods and its seed were eaten by the birds of the air and the ground.
“Something bothers me, my king.” She lowered herself to the ground and settled there.
“What is that?” Ikemba’s brows came together.
Slowly, she pulled out five cowries from the bag she carried and tossed it upon the ground. The cowries tumbled upon each other.
“I had a very disturbing revelation. How well do you trust your cousin?” She sighed. Her spirit had always welcomed Chinedum, the hunter. He was a good man. And he showed kindness to the people, little could be said about his wife.
Ikemba hadn’t told the oracle about his plans with Chinedum. No one knew about the mission. Could Chinedum change his mind and fight on Chiemelie’s side? No, he trusted his cousin with all his life.
“I trust him completely. Tell me, what did the gods reveal?” Ikemba leaned forward as if searching for the answers at the place where the cowries met each other.
The oracle didn’t know how to deliver the message because she knew how close the King was to his cousin. But she couldn’t keep it to herself. The gods had revealed it to her so she could tell the King all about it.
“I was taken to an evil tree which grew at the frontage of your cousin’s house. It had many pods and all kinds of birds ate from it. The gods made me understand that this tree if not cut down, shall corrupt the land. I don’t know what to make out of this dream…” She paused.
Ikemba raised a brow as he pondered on it. If the tree grew at Chinedum’s compound, it meant that something evil was going on there.
“What if it is not Chinedum himself that is evil? What if someone in his family is the carrier of the evil seed? We must not be too quick to assume. Maybe we should consult the gods more on this matter.” The King said.
The oracle agreed completely with him. He was tempted to tell her about the secret mission, but he decided to keep it to himself. He trusted Chinedum with everything, but if he turned out to be a betrayer, Ikemba knew that the gods would punish him by themselves.
“The great lion of Ezeudo!” A sharp voice cracked the wall of silence that had built up in the king’s palace. Ikemba had been lost in the spirit realm, but at the call of his name he returned to reality. He shifted uncomfortably as he realized that he had fallen asleep on the throne. He had lost time. He had been caught up in another world.
Slowly, his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the day. He searched the palace for the person that had sung his praise. It was then that he found the oracle of the gods standing at the entrance of the throne room. From the look of things, today was a good day for her. Instead of the normal reddish garments that she wore, the oracle wore a white dress. Her feet were adorned with red dye and her dreadlocks were decorated with snake shells.
“The oracle of the gods,” Ikemba acknowledged her presence.
While she had been worshipping at the shrine, the gods had revealed something quite mysterious to her. She had fallen into a trance. The gods had shown her an evil tree that sprouted at the frontage of Chinedum’s compound. It had many pods and its seed were eaten by the birds of the air and the ground.
“Something bothers me, my king.” She lowered herself to the ground and settled there.
“What is that?” Ikemba’s brows came together.
Slowly, she pulled out five cowries from the bag she carried and tossed it upon the ground. The cowries tumbled upon each other.
“I had a very disturbing revelation. How well do you trust your cousin?” She sighed. Her spirit had always welcomed Chinedum, the hunter. He was a good man. And he showed kindness to the people, little could be said about his wife.
Ikemba hadn’t told the oracle about his plans with Chinedum. No one knew about the mission. Could Chinedum change his mind and fight on Chiemelie’s side? No, he trusted his cousin with all his life.
“I trust him completely. Tell me, what did the gods reveal?” Ikemba leaned forward as if searching for the answers at the place where the cowries met each other.
The oracle didn’t know how to deliver the message because she knew how close the King was to his cousin. But she couldn’t keep it to herself. The gods had revealed it to her so she could tell the King all about it.
“I was taken to an evil tree which grew at the frontage of your cousin’s house. It had many pods and all kinds of birds ate from it. The gods made me understand that this tree if not cut down, shall corrupt the land. I don’t know what to make out of this dream…” She paused.
Ikemba raised a brow as he pondered on it. If the tree grew at Chinedum’s compound, it meant that something evil was going on there.
“What if it is not Chinedum himself that is evil? What if someone in his family is the carrier of the evil seed? We must not be too quick to assume. Maybe we should consult the gods more on this matter.” The King said.
The oracle agreed completely with him. He was tempted to tell her about the secret mission, but he decided to keep it to himself. He trusted Chinedum with everything, but if he turned out to be a betrayer, Ikemba knew that the gods would punish him by themselves.
While the King watched, the oracle gathered the cowries into her palms and began to stare at them. Her lips mumbled in a silent call and prayer to the gods. Soon, her eyes were closed so she could communicate effectively with the spirit world. Coincidentally, a gentle breeze began to blow. It increased as her mumbling increased. Even the King couldn’t resist the presence of the spirits.
“You are welcome!” He called to the wind.
The oracle’s palms vibrated as she prayed for a clear revelation. The gods rarely spoke to her in parables. She prayed for a revelation in clear language that she would understand easily. Just as she was about to give up on her prayer, a sharp pain cut through her heart and the cowries scattered from her palms. Her breathing was slowed, her heart raced.
Her spirit soured into the wind and her soul was taken by the gods for a clearer vision. The oracle floated in the air like the wind goddess. Her locks were no longer tied together, they dangled along with the wind. She was taken through a quiet path filled with stones and thistles. People had lived here before, but they migrated to other parts of Ezeudo when the land lost its fertility. The only trees that grew here were bush mango trees and tall grasses. The land had been declared cursed.
“Where are you taking me to?” The oracle wondered in spirit.
She floated past the abandoned land and went deeper into a vegetative land that lay next to it. She didn’t need a revelation to know that there was a water body around here. The trees that grew here were surrounded by green ferns and flowers. The scent of earth was very strong, as much as the scent of water. The oracle wondered why the gods were bringing her to the ancient river of Mmiriulo. It was the river of an abandoned goddess that had been worshipped long time ago. The people of Ezeudo had desecrated the shrine and turned to Amadioha and the gods of the higher realm. The ancient water goddess of Mmiriulo had been an impulsive and angry being. With the powers that Ala had bestowed upon her, she killed and made people to drown at will. When the casualties had become too much, the people had rejected the goddess and stopped visiting her river.
The oracle floated through the muddy paths until she arrived at the river bank. She noticed some canoes and small huts far away from the bank. She was a bit surprised because she hadn’t thought anyone still lived there. She ran her eyes over the stale looking river and the wild flowers that grew by its sides.
“She has returned!” An old woman’s voice ran from one of the huts. When the old woman stepped out of the hut, the oracle shrieked when she realized that it was Amumma, the oracle of the water goddess who had been banished long time ago.
She tied a white wrapper on her waist. Her breasts were left to the view of nature. She drew white circles on her forehead. She had a devious smile as she marched towards the bank of the river. Two young women accompanied her; each carrying a basketful of palm fruits and also tying white wrappers.
“You have returned to your place of birth, Obiajulu, daughter of Anwulika!”
The oracle swirled around to see the person that was being addressed.
“Please have mercy on me mother. I know I have sinned for not keeping to my promise but I need you now. I need you to stand by my side or I will lose everything…” The desperate woman sank her knees to the wet ground.

TO BE CONTINUED

Story by Davina diares

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

At this point, thunder clapped and the clouds began to race. When the oracle turned around, her heart skipped as she realized that Chinedum’s wife had come to consult the forbidden goddess.
“You come to me when all hope is lost. When there was hope and you were eating and growing fat, where did you keep me?” Amumma scorned. She remembered Obiajulu vividly. Before her marriage into the royal family, her mother had brought her to the river for a bath. Seven rituals had been carried out so she could give birth to sons and daughters; the rituals had also been to capture her husband’s heart completely. But Obiajulu had failed to keep to her promise.
Many hours had passed and Adaora remained totally speechless. She couldn’t believe a word that Anosike’s wife had spoken. It was unbelievable that Obiajulu could be that wicked.
“It seems you do not believe me…” Oriaku sobbed.
Adaora pulled in a deep breath, “I know she is a cruel woman but I didn’t know she was cheating on her husband. I didn’t know she had tried to kill you.”
Oriaku shrugged, she couldn’t blame the moon virgin for not believing her.
“I had known for a long time that my husband’s heart wasn’t with me anymore. I felt it deep within. Anosike’s love had been bought by another woman. It was Okeke that revealed the identity of the woman. At first, I found it difficult to believe just as you. But I once saw them in the farm. Obiajulu is a very wicked woman and she has blinded my husband. I must return and tell Ikemba about them.”
At the mention of the King’s name, Adaora’s heart fluttered. She realized that she hadn’t seen his face in her dreams for a while. She had also not thought about him. All her attention had been on how to retrieve the sacred dagger from Amabara. Her heart softened as she thought of the man the gods had destined her to be with.
“What is that smile?” Oriaku noticed the glow of affection in Adaora’s eyes.
“Nothing,” Adaora blushed.
If not for the wound that was very slow in healing, Oriaku would’ve laughed at Adaora.
“From the first night I saw you, I knew there was something special about you. I am happy that I didn’t maltreat you. Soon, you will be the Queen of Ezeudo and I shall be the Queen’s friend.” She managed a weak smile.
Adaora couldn’t help but laugh. She rested her head on the shoulder of the wounded woman.
“All our dreams shall come to pass.”
Oriaku agreed with her.
“Obiajulu was very certain that she’d killed me. I found myself by the river bank at midnight. One of the fishermen had seen me. At first, he had thought me an evil spirit trying to lure him into a trap, but the gods blessed his heart and he took me into his canoe. My mind was blank after that. I woke up beside the river of Amabara, I don’t know how I got here. Perhaps, the gods brought me here for a reason.”
Adaora sighed, “What on earth did she want to achieve by killing you? Surely the gods of Ezeudo aren’t dead. She has committed a grievous offence and she would pay for it.”
Oriaku smiled knowing that Obiajulu would be severely punished for her crime.
“Obiajulu is a very selfish and wicked woman. When she first got married to Chinedum, there were rumors that she trapped him inside a calabash. She has her husband’s heart in her palms, and I know she must have bewitched Anosike as well.”
Adaora cringed as she remembered her first night at Oriaku’s house. Adaora had lost respect for the farmer for beating his wife like an animal. She felt angrier as she realized that Oriaku hadn’t wronged him. Her only crime was speaking against his illicit affair with Obiajulu.
“The gods would vindicate you.” Adaora warmed the woman’s heart with her words.
“Thank you for your words.”
Adaora knew the next information she was about to share would shock Oriaku, but it would guide her decision concerning Obiajulu’s matter.
“There’s something I want to tell you,” Adaora rose to her feet and walked towards the entrance of the hut.
“What is that?” The woman searched Adaora’s eyes.
“I am the moon virgin…” Adaora began but Oriaku cut her short.
“I know who you are, Adaora. You are blessed by the gods. You are destined for a great King. I know that you have powers and you can see the future and read minds.”
Adaora nodded, though that wasn’t what she had wanted to say.
“When I was kidnapped, I spent a lot of time questioning the gods until I realized that they had brought me to retrieve the sacred dagger of Ituri. I cannot do that on my own, so the King sent my master to assist me.” She paused to let the words sink in.
It took Oriaku a while to understand the implication of Adaora’s explanation.
“Chinedum is here?” Her lips shivered.
“Yes, he is.” Adaora nodded.
Oriaku gritted her teeth as she thought of Chinedum’s wife and all the atrocities she had committed towards her.
“I will not tell him about his evil wife until our mission is done here. I will expose Obiajulu once we reach Ezeudo.”
Adaora released the breath she held. She had been worried that Oriaku would make a scene which could distract Chinedum from retrieving the dagger.
“Thank you, nneoma.” Adaora bowed.
“Let me leave you to rest. You need all the strength because we may be leaving for Ezeudo sooner than we expected.”
Oriaku thanked the moon virgin for spending time with her before lying on the bamboo bed which was provided for her. She felt relieved knowing that someone else had shared her burden. As she closed her eyes, the only face she saw was Obiajulu’s. She couldn’t wait to return to Ezeudo.
Princess Uli had left the moon virgin with the strange woman; she had observed they needed privacy. Uli had nothing to keep her preoccupied while waiting for Adaora, so she had decided to indulge in one of her habits. Her servants had been hesitant to provide her with a knife and pieces of wood knowing how angry the Queen would be. Uli had always stood out from the other princesses. While the others loved to adorn their skin with the latest herbs to make it glow and spend their days looking at the mirror, Uli had no time for that. She was already bestowed with a natural beauty that was difficult to compete with.
She loved to stroll through the village to know how the people were faring. Perhaps, this was the reason that some Kingdom dwellers were drawn to her than her cruel brother. If she wasn’t strolling, she was sacrificing and worshipping at the royal shrine. When she wasn’t doing that, Princess Uli loved to carve some figures using wood; a habit that her mother condemned.
“Why do you behave like a man when you aren’t one? You are a princess in the name of the gods! Why would you carve?” Her mother always disapproved of her hobby which she considered a talent.
Uli usually ignored the woman, until the Queen grew weary of nagging.
As her fingers worked the knife, pieces of the bark she was peeling fell to the ground. She hummed a song as she carved. Unknown to her, the stranger from Ezeudo had just finished with her brother; he paused in his steps and watched as she carved.
After swearing an oath to King Chiemelie, Chinedum had stepped out of the palace. He had searched everywhere for Adaora and the Princess to tell them the latest development. There was no better time to steal the dagger than within the seven days that had been declared for the cleansing of the kingdom. He was fully prepared to do whatever it would cost to take the dagger. He had promised to lay down his life for Ezeudo, and he was willing to die if it came to that.
“Ouch!” Uli winced as the knife dug into her skin. Blood gushed out from the wounded finger. She bit her lip and quickly rose to her feet. She couldn’t let the Queen see her.
“Why am I having so many wounds?” She exclaimed angrily.
Chinedum rushed forward as he noticed that she had cut herself.
“Princess!” He covered the distance between them.
She licked her lips and smiled as she stared into his eyes. They were darker than she had noticed, even broodier. It seems he carried all the burden of the world in those eyes.
As he stared at her, something within him stirred. Chinedum quickly looked away. There was a growing attraction to Uli but he had to fight it. He reminded himself that he had a wife at home who was waiting patiently for him with his children. He loved Obiajulu with all of his heart and he wasn’t willing to share his heart with another woman. As he took the Princess’ finger, he made a mental note to stay away from her.
“I never knew a woman could carve,” he observed the level of the cut.
Uli scoffed, “Why do men think women are that uninterested in some crafts
He adored her more after her question. Chinedum observed that Uli didn’t have the attitude of a typical princess. She wasn’t lazy or soft. She was full of determination and courage.
“I have some potions that would alleviate your pain.” He was about taking off his bag when Adaora found them. Adaora noticed the pain in the eyes of Uli.
“I am so sorry about your wound but we must find a place and talk. We don’t have much time left.”
While Chinedum cleaned the wound with some leaves he fetched from the forest while hunting, Adaora made some suggestions that would help them retrieve the dagger.
“I think we should strike tomorrow night. While the palace is quiet, we would go into the throne room and take the dagger. When we are through, we’ll scurry through the bush paths until we reach home.” She suggested.
“That is a good plan but the King made me swear allegiance to him,” Chinedum announced.
“That wouldn’t be a problem. You will eat of the Ikele leaves. It would protect you from the repercussions of the oath.” Uli advised.
The Princess liked Adaora’s plan, but she knew it wouldn’t work.
“My brother is no fool. Don’t think for one minute that he trusts you completely,” She turned to Chinedum.
“Chiemelie isn’t only evil, he takes after my mother’s crafty nature. For every plan that he comes up with, he has seven other plans to back it up. Retrieving the dagger of Ituri would be more tasking than what you have described. We cannot do it on our own. We will need extra help. This is a matter of life and death, so we must be totally prepared for what is to come.”
Adaora and Chinedum realized that they had to rely completely on Princess Uli.
“We will strike on the third night. But before then, I will put some things in place…” She pulled her hands away from Chinedum as the touch of his hands was beginning to send sparks into her fragile body.
“What can we do to help?” Chinedum asked.
Uli shrugged, “We have to call the gods for help.”
When the princess was gone, Adaora turned to Chinedum and informed him of Oriaku’s presence.
“What is she doing here?” It sounded very odd.
Adaora clicked her tongue. She’d wanted to answer, “Why not ask your friend and your wife?” But she decided to hold her tongue for the right time.
“She is the woman that was found by the water. We must leave Amabara as fast we can else they may sacrifice her on the seventh day.”

TO BE CONTINUED

Story by Davina diaries