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

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 25

“Please, I beg of you. There is a great fire that would soon consume my household. It is the fire of shame and destruction. I need you to help me. I am ready to do anything you want.” She rubbed her palms together.
The old woman scoffed, “You come to me because your husband’s heart is no longer with you. You come to me when Anosike has abandoned you. You are a shameless woman!”
Obiajulu began to cry at this point. She had come to the shrine for help and not for more rebuke.
“I know all these already! I know that I have erred. But how long would I plead for my sins? I know that I have sinned against you mother, but you must help me out. My mother’s soul would be glad that you did…” Obiajulu buried her head on the wrinkled feet of the woman.
The old woman grimaced.
“Don’t use your mother’s soul to pacify me, daughter of Anwulika. You abandoned me like the rest of Ezeudo. I bore the punishment of your rejection. How can I trust you another time?”
Obiajulu raised her head, “You must bring my husband’s heart to me. You must drop his heart in the middle of my palms. You must make Anosike run mad for the way he treated me. And you must kill my slave girl…” She said all these in a rush.
The woman laughed, “Do you know what you are asking for?”
Obiajulu didn’t reply.
“You can do anything. Please, you must help me out.” She begged.
The old woman stared at the river before saying another word. She communed with the river goddess in her mind.
“I cannot kill the slave girl. The goddess tells me that she is to be untouched. I cannot bring back your husband’s love because his heart is already beating for another. But I can make Anosike mad…” The woman began to laugh as she saw a vision of Obiajulu dragging Oriaku’s body to a river. The woman before her was a terrible being, but she would help her anyway.
Obiajulu gritted her teeth as she thought about Chinedum.
“Please…you have to give me his heart. Please…”
“You are a very greedy woman Obiajulu. You once bought his love but you trampled it. You cheated on Anosike and attempted to kill his wife. Mmiliulo could be an impulsive and mischievous goddess but she is not one to give injustice.”
Suddenly, the old woman’s eyes were charged with a golden flame as the spirit of the goddess had taken possession of her.
“Your husband would never love you again. You are a vile woman!” The woman sneered at her.
Obiajulu began to shiver as she realized that the odds were against her.
“Please…he must never find out that I cheated on him.”
“HAHAHA!” The woman laughed.
“Very well then, you have come to the place for your justice.”
Before Obiajulu could sense what was happening, the old woman stepped away from her serving girls and touched her forehead swiftly. A warm sensation ran through her and it felt like she had been kissed by fire. The warmness vanished and was quickly replaced by a burning sensation which spread through her entire body.
“What is happening to me?” Obiajulu ran her hands over her skin but that only made it worse.
The burning sensation travelled from her legs to her torso and stopped at her temple. Before she could lay another complained, she felt a sharp pain in her eyes. This was followed by blurred vision.
“Amumma! What have you done?” Obiajulu rose to her feet.
“What needs to be done to someone like you!” The woman shifted back.
Obiajulu was about to launch a slap at the old fool when everything turned black. She found it difficult to see because she had just lost her sight.
“No! I cannot see!!!” She screamed with everything in her.
“Lead her to the middle of the Kingdom. She would be found by a kind stranger until she reaches home. Her punishment shall remain forever. She would wish for death, but death would not find her.” The old priestess gave orders to her girls.
The oracle was too stunned to say anything as she realized that the poisonous tree at the entrance of Chinedum’s compound was Obiajulu.
“What a terrible woman!”
“I feel another presence here. Show yourself!” Amumma scooped some sand by the river bank and tossed it into the air.
The oracle couldn’t hide anymore. Slowly, the veil between the spirit world and the physical world was torn.
“What do you want in my territory?” The old woman staggered as she realized who had come. The father of the oracle in conglomeration with the elders of the village had banished her and burnt the old shrine.
“I come in peace. I was brought here by the gods. I shall leave now,” the oracle whispered.
The old woman nodded and bowed.
“Go in peace!”
The King had been afraid that the spirit of the oracle was completely gone when her body had fallen on the ground. But she sneezed almost immediately the thought crossed his mind.
“I know the evil tree! The gods have brought her justice!”
“Who is the evil tree?” Ikemba leaned forward.
The oracle guffawed as she searched the faces of her cowries.
“You wouldn’t believe a word of what the gods have revealed.”
“Tell me!” Ikemba held his heart in his mouth, hoping that Chinedum wasn’t the evil tree.
The oracle sighed, “Obiajulu is the evil tree. She and Anosike have defiled the land with their atrocities. They have been sleeping with each other. When Oriaku discovered what her husband was doing behind her, she confronted him and got stabbed by Obiajulu. Together, they dragged her body to the river, hoping she was dead. But the gods aren’t unjust. She lives!”
Ikemba was stunned as he watched the oracle relate what she had seen.
“How is this possible? How can that vain woman cheat on my cousin? He has loved her all these years and has been faithful to her.”
“She stole his heart with some rituals. She still sacrifices to Mmiriulo, the forbidden goddess of Ezeudo.”
Ikemba rose at once.
“Enough! Obiajulu must pay for her crime.”
“The gods have already begun their justice,” the oracle tossed her cowries on the ground.
After his quarrel with Obiajulu, Anosike had headed towards the palace with some farmers who bore harvests for the King. He knew that his men had erred, but he knew that Ikemba was a merciful King. He was ready to plead on their behalf.
While Ikemba circled the throne room, he heard his guards barking orders. When he raised his head, his blood boiled as he realized that Anosike had come.
“Let him in!” Ikemba stepped out of the throne room and ordered the guards.
From the look of things, Anosike thought that he was welcomed. Eagerly, he marched towards the King with his farmers along many baskets.
“May you live long great Lion of Ezeudo!” He bowed his head.
Ikemba clenched his fists and stared at the foolish man. He didn’t deserve a good woman like Oriaku. A man that slept with his friend’s wife lacked honor for himself and for his friend. He was the lowest of all men.
“Anosike, the great farmer,” the King praised him as well.
Gladly, the farmer rose to his feet wearing a confident smile upon his face.
“We have come bearing gifts. These are the finest produce from my barns. I hope the King is pleased.” Anosike offered another bow.
Ikemba nodded and raised his staff.
“I will accept your gift but I’d like to see your wife. My mother has missed her.”
Anosike felt a sharp pain in his chest. The King’s desire to see Oriaku had unsettled him.
“Um, she…um, she travelled to see her people.” He replied.
Ikemba shrugged, “Surely, you can send some of your men to bring her back. I must see her before nightfall.” Ikemba’s eyes were on the man’s face the whole time. It was obvious that Anosike had a lot to hide for he could no longer hold the gaze of the King.
There was no need of wasting time. Ikemba snapped his fingers.
“Take this man to the dungeons. He shall be brought out when Chinedum returns.”
The basket Anosike carried fell from his hands.
“No, I don’t understand my offence. All I came here to do was make peace with my King.”
“I know. But sometimes what Kings truly desire is war.”
“What is my offence?” Anosike struggled with the guards.
Ikemba turned his back on the evil man. He hadn’t taken more than three steps when he heard loud screaming of female voices. He paused and swirled around. Just in time, Ifeoma, one of his servants rushed in.
“Why is there so much screaming?” The King barked at her.
In a rush of breath, Ifeoma’s knees sank to the ground.
“My King, you will not believe this.”
“Obiajulu, the daughter of Anwuli and the wife of your cousin Chinedum, has lost her sight.”
Anosike froze when he learned of this. He no longer resisted the guards who dragged him and his men towards the dungeon.

TO BE CONTINUED

Story by Davina diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 26

He was supposed to feel angry that the King had treated him unjustly, but he wasn’t. A part of him knew that it was time to pay for all the sins that he had committed against his wife. Anosike preferred being locked in the dungeon, than living in an empty house which was a constant reminded of the part he played in Oriaku’s murder.
After Ifeoma had made the announcement, she had expected the King to show some kind of concern or shock because the woman in question was his cousin’s wife. But his features were fixed. He gritted his teeth and returned to the throne room.
Underneath his breath, he praised the gods for the justice they had carried out. Ezeudo would soon rise from the ashes, and the gods were leading the way in this fire of purification.
“May the gods be praised,” he whispered.
He silently dropped a prayer for Chinedum. He prayed that the gods assisted him in retrieving the ancient dagger. He also prayed that the gods would help Chinedum get over the news of his wife’s infidelity.
Two days had passed since two strangers had come to Amabara. The first was the woman that had been found by the stream. The King and the oracle were yet to speak to the woman as they were still observing the cleansing ritual. Though Chiemelie wasn’t really bothered about the woman presence, he was disturbed about the strange man that had rescued his sister at the forest. Though Ezechi had sworn allegiance to him, he still found it difficult to trust the man. There was something about him. And for a night, the King couldn’t sleep. This was the reason that Chiemelie had quickly sent for the oracle. He needed to carry out an investigation on the stranger.
“May the King reign forever!” Efuru bowed before her son. The morning arose with a gift of a bright sun. The Queen was usually the first person to greet the King, this was the tradition of the people. She had come with a little calabash containing fresh bitter-kola nuts and colorful pepper fruits. They were his favorite fruits. However, the older woman paused in her steps as she noticed the look on her son’s face. Something was definitely troubling him. She ran her eyes over the palace and sighed in relief when she discovered that the dagger of Ituri was still in place. For it was with this priceless piece that Ezeudo would be conquered.
“What worries you child?” She dropped the calabash gently and sat next to him.
Whenever he was worried, he preferred to be left alone. But he couldn’t turn his mother away. She was the only person that truly understood him.
“It is that stranger that rescued Uli. I have a bad feeling about him. Though he hasn’t done anything evil to me, I feel worried.”
Efuru smiled and warmed his arm with her motherly touch.
“You terrified me! I thought something grave had happened. What reason do you have to suspect the man that saved your sister?” Efuru wasn’t too pleased with her son’s thinking pattern.
He shrugged, “I don’t know why but my guts never fail me. I have sent for Igwekala. I will have my answers soon.”
The Queen wasn’t sure this was a good idea, but she didn’t want to argue with her son.
“Once the cleansing ritual is over, we shall resume our plans to attack Ezeudo. We will spare no one. We will bring them under us.” She bragged.
Chiemelie’s face brightened with a smile. He loved his mother very much because they had similar views. Same couldn’t be said about his sister, Uli.
“I can hardly wait.”
Efuru was about to leave the King’s presence, when the oracle sauntered in. Igwekala had never been counted as a handsome man. But this morning, his face seemed uglier than before. Perhaps it was the black dye that he had applied on one side of his face, or it was the terrible frown that he wore.
“Long live the King!” The priest bowed.
“Rise, great oracle of the gods,” the King commanded.
The queen remained silent in their exchange. She waited to hear what Igwekala would say about Ezechi, the one whom the gods had sent to rescue her Uli from the arms of death.
“I sent for you for a purpose,” Chiemelie began but was immediately interrupted by the oracle.
Igwekala raised his left palm into the air.
“Say no more! I know why you sent for me. You are worried about the man that saved your sister. Your spirit is troubled because of him.”
Chiemelie nodded, “The gods have read my mind then.”
“Yes they have. And they sent me to deliver this message to you.”
The queen and her son leaned forward to get the warning of the gods.
“The gods are on your side in this war. They have revealed a heinous plan by some people to steal the ancient dagger of Ituri. The gods have grown impatient; they desire to drink the blood of Adaora. We cannot complete the seven days of cleansing. We must sacrifice the moon virgin tonight for the dagger to come alive. The enemies are already upon us, the enemies are already here and they have infiltrated your household.”
The room was silent as mother and son exchanged glares. Chiemelie hadn’t expected this sort of grave warning from the gods.
“What about Ezechi? Is he a part of this ploy? Who are the members of my household that seek to betray me?” Chiemelie’s temper rose with each word he pronounced. He gritted his teeth angrily as he considered this unlikely plot which failed from its conception. How could anyone even think of stealing the dagger? How could they think of winning this war?
The oracle laughed. He stared up and looked down. He stamped his feet thrice before speaking.
“The gods have nothing to say about him. I have searched their thoughts but a wall seems to protect him. I fear he may not be human.”
“Ehn!” The queen rose to her feet.
Chiemelie leaned against the throne as he considered Igwekala’s words. If the gods had failed to reveal anything about this man, perhaps the man was a god!
“What about the members of my household that seeks to betray me?” Chiemelie was more interested in this. If the gods revealed their names, he would burn them alive in the middle of the kingdom, so that all others would learn of the punishment of betrayal.
“I have no more words from you! But you must take the moon virgin to the place where the moon begins. You shall strike her seven times with the ancient dagger of Ituri. With her blood smeared on the knife, you shall cut yourself with it and the powers of the moon goddess shall come upon you. This is the only way we can win this war.”
Without waste of time, the oracle turned his back on the royals and walked out of the palace. While Chiemelie thought of the glory that awaited him; after his conquest, his mother was more concerned about the revelations.
“I think something strange is going on. The gods have never hidden any message from us.” She thought about Igwekala’s inability to access the thoughts of the gods concerning those who planned to steal the dagger and the members of the royal family that were part of that plan.
“The gods must not talk all the time. I have the information that I need. Prepare yourself tonight. You will be present when I get my powers.” He walked towards the place where the dagger was kept and began to encircle it. He couldn’t wait for midnight to come.
The queen sensed her son’s unwillingness to discuss the matter at hand. Everything was wrong about Igwekala’s revelations. Never in a time of history had the people abandoned ritual or stopped halfway. But she decided to let the matter die. She would prepare herself for the ritual later at night.
“The moon virgin must not hear about this. Do not say a word to Uli, because of her closeness,” she advised her son.
“I won’t hesitate to lock her up until midnight.”
The morning had started on a good note for Oriaku. She felt at home here in Amabara. And this was possible because of Adaora’s presence and Chinedum’s. She also cherished the warm welcome that she was given by princess Uli and her servants. She took a deep breath from the fresh morning air as she stepped out of her hut. Adaora had assured her that they would leave for Ezeudo soon. It was just a matter of time before she returned to her homeland to face her traitor of a husband and Obiajulu. The gods had protected her against Obiajulu’s venom, this showed that they had purpose for her life. She knew that Ikemba favored her and would believe her every word. As she strolled around the secluded area of the palace, Oriaku was oblivious of the fact that the gods were already fighting her battles.
It was the princess that she saw first. Uli’s face was contorted by a deep frown as she marched towards Oriaku. From the swiftness in her steps, things weren’t alright. Oriaku’s heart leapt, she prayed that Adaora was safe.
“Good morning my royalty,” she bowed slightly.
Uli waved her greeting aside, “where is Adaora?” Her voice was shaky and full of fear.
Oriaku swallowed, she hadn’t seen Adaora that morning.
“I haven’t seen her.”

TO BE CONTINUED

Story By Davina Diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 27

As Uli neared the shrine, she thought it was weird that she didn’t hear any bleating of goats and crying of sheep. The shrine was usually filled with animals that people brought in for sacrifices. At first, she had wanted to turn back, thinking that the priest wasn’t around. But she decided to forge ahead, because there was no time. Already, the mild morning sun was replaced by a scorching yellow sun. Soon, the birds would return to their homes, the noon would flee and twilight would be upon the land. Once she was finished with Igwekala, she would return to the palace to meet up with Adaora and Chinedum.
She pressed a shaky hand on her lips, the place where he had kissed her. She closed her eyes briefly and opened them again as she remembered the sweetness of his mouth. She had enjoyed every bit of the kiss and the warmth of his arms. But she had felt ashamed after that. What if Chinedum only wanted to lure her into his bed because he was lonely? She shuddered at the thought of being used by the man.
Slowly, she exhaled.
“You need to focus Uli,” she whispered to herself.
She inhaled a deep breath for focus and advanced towards the shrine. She noted the calabash trees that surrounded the entrance. She could sense the presence of the earth spirits as she neared the trees. Again, she felt something wasn’t right. If the goats weren’t bleating, she would’ve heard Igwekala’s voice. The man never ceased to communicate with the spirits. His chants were endless and so were the clashing of the cowries.
She decided that she was afraid and fear was only for the weak.
“The great oracle of Amabara!” She dug a hand into her wrapper and fetched the cowries that she owed him.
Confidently, she marched towards the main area where the shrine was located. If only she had listened to her intuition, she would have avoided the trap that was set before her. But it was too late. The princess first noticed the way the shrine had been dismantled. She noticed that some of the carvings of the gods were thrown to the ground. The mirrors and the earthen pots were set aflame.
At that moment, the cowries fell from her hands.
“Igwekala!” She called in a loud voice but there was no answer. In her confusion, she hadn’t listened to the footsteps that came from behind. When a cold palm touched her back, she froze. She froze because she knew the wielder of that palm.
“My darling sister…”
“No,” Uli’s lips moved silently.
Chiemelie was behind her.
“Are you afraid to face me?” He mocked.
Chiemelie’s presence only meant one thing. He had discovered her alliance with the priest and he had come to punish them both. Only five people knew of her plan, perhaps one had betrayed her. She thought of Adaora, Chinedum, Okorie, Igwekala and Oriaku. One of these people must have told the King of her plans to ascend the throne and destroy him.
“Don’t be stupid Uli, I have many eyes in the palace, so don’t think your little friends gave you up.” He spoke like he had read her thoughts.
Uli was ready to bear the consequences of her actions, but her prayer was for Adaora’s safety and all those who came with her. She turned around and faced her brother.
“What did you do with Igwekala? What did you do to the priest? You destroyed the shrine of our forefathers; do you intend to live for long?”
He didn’t respond. He pulled out the dagger of the moon goddess from his pocket and lifted it up, so the rays of the sun would pass through it.
“I knew something was wrong with Igwekala today. He isn’t a very good liar and he tried to deceive me. He came to me with a false message when the gods hadn’t spoken to him. He told me to end the cleansing ritual and sacrifice the moon virgin today…but that wasn’t the instructions all along. Do you remember that I had to marry her first before sacrificing her?” He began to encircle the princess.
Uli swallowed the bitter lump that clogged her throat as she thought of the priest. It was her idea that he lie to the King. It was because of her that he was in trouble.
“Igwekala wasn’t acting on his orders. I sent him. I threatened him to lie to you…” she began in a shaky voice as he placed the dagger on her bare skin.
The King sighed.
“I knew he was lying to me when he refused to tell me about the stranger that rescued you. From my findings, Chinedum is a direct relative of Ikemba. Do you know the joy that brings me? I will rip him apart and send his bones to the King of Ezeudo.”
Uli trembled when she heard this. Chiemelie had discovered that Chinedum’s real name wasn’t Ezechi. Truly, she had underestimated her brother. He was smarter than she’d thought. But she couldn’t let him hurt Chinedum.
“You cannot harm him. He saved my life. Have honor for once in your life!” She yelled.
He shrugged, “You betrayed me. You had your eyes on my throne. What gave you the impression that a woman would ever sit on the throne of Amabara? You women think you can tread the paths that men take.” He guffawed.
Uli decided that she was tired of dancing around with him. She was ready to face her brother no matter what happened.
“You are right about me wanting to take your throne. I was our father’s favorite and I had always wished to take over from him. You are a cruel person and you have shown the people of Amabara cruelty. They do not love you as you think. They are only afraid of you.”
He didn’t care about what his people thought of him.
“A ruler doesn’t need the love of his people. A prince lives to inspire fear.”
“Fear?” She moved away from him, so he wouldn’t circle her anymore.
“The problem with our land isn’t Ezeudo. You and your wicked ways have been the problem. The gods have turned their backs on you. Even if you kill me, you will never be as perfect as Ikemba.”
His sister’s words stung like an annoying insect. He feared the reality of Ikemba ruling over him. This was the reason he had been so determined to possess the powers of the dagger.
“Bring him out!” Chiemelie screamed.
He turned to her, “I will kill him before your eyes. And then I will go after that stupid lover of yours. I will kill the moon virgin for my satisfaction. Already, my men are after her. You will live with the memories of their deaths. That, my dear sister, is the gifts I shall leave you with.”
Tears stung her eyes as she stared into his dark eyes.
“You are an evil wind, destroying everything that is put in your path.”
“I agree. I am an evil wind and I will sweep all my enemies away.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched Igwekala and his serving girls and boys being dragged out by the royal guards. The oracle had been severely beaten by the King’s men. They had surrounded the shrine unknown to him and arrested everyone. The animals reserved for sacrifices had been slaughtered. Everything had been destroyed.
“You desecrate the altar that once protected you!” Igwekala poured his blood stained saliva on the ground.
He didn’t have any regrets for standing by Uli. Many dwellers of Amabara had complained to him about Chiemelie’s wicked ways, but he had been too afraid to confront the brute king.
“You will pay for this and all your bloodshed!”
Chiemelie laughed, “You were the one that told me that the land needed blood, you cannot turn this on me.”
“No, I told you what you wanted to hear. The gods have rejected you and handed your crown to your sister. You shall be defeated today. Your time isn’t long.”
Angrily, Chiemelie launched the dagger towards the oracle. It struck the man in his chest.
“No!!!” The princess rushed towards Igwekala, but the royal guards pushed her away.
The oracle gritted his teeth as the pain shot into him. Blood oozed from his nostrils and his eyes.
“The gods have named you as the true Queen of Amabara. You must make peace with the good King of Ezeudo. You must reconcile the people of Amabara and Ezeudo, for they are brothers from the same mother.” When the oracle had finished speaking, his eyes closed and his head sank upon his shoulders. His servants began to wail when they realized that the priest had been slain.
Chiemelie covered the distance and quickly pulled out the dagger from the man. He grabbed Uli by hair and raised her, so she could stand next to him.
“I will be a dead man before I let you take what belongs to me.”
Just in time, Chinedum arrived at the shrine. It didn’t take him too long to realize what was happening.
“Let her go!” He raised his machete into the air.
Uli’s lips trembled as she sobbed.
“Please run, run far away or he will kill you! He knows that you are Ikemba’s blood.”
Chinedum ignored the wails of the princess. He counted the hefty guards that were with the King. He could take them all.
“Release her!” He thundered.
Chiemelie scoffed and turned to his guards.
“Give me his head.”
Chinedum’s blood boiled as he stared at the wicked King. He could tell that Uli was in pain from the way he held her hair. Determinedly, he tightened his fingers around his machete. He would slay them all for his princess. The guards abandoned the servants of the fallen priest and all rushed to attack Chinedum.
“Please, you don’t have to do this. You can kill me but let him go.” Uli began to beg her brother.
“No, I want you to watch…”

TO BE CONTINUED

Story By Davina diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 28

Uli sighed, “what about Chinedum?” She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, wondering where the moon virgin was?
Oriaku gave the same answer. When the princess was about leaving, she grabbed her arm gently and asked if everything was alright. At first, Uli hadn’t wanted to share her latest discovery with the strange woman. But she recalled that Oriaku could be trusted.
“My brother and I have always fought for the throne of Amabara. Chiemelie’s evil nature has turned his people against him. I am on the side of the people of Ezeudo and I will fight with them to restore justice. I am sure you have heard about the ancient dagger of Ituri…” She watched the woman’s face closely, to know whether to continue or not.
Oriaku nodded. Adaora had filled her in on everything that had happened on the land.
“The dagger must be retrieved today if we are to conquer Chiemelie. Find me Adaora, I am off to see someone.” She swirled round and walked away from the woman without second thoughts.
Oriaku had a feeling that the princess wasn’t telling her the truth. Danger was lurking at the corner and she was in the middle of it. The gods had blessed her with luck the first time, she may not be lucky the second time. As she pondered on the next step to take, she thought of running back to Ezeudo. The morning was bright and filled with hope, she could still make it. But the fear of being seen by Anosike and Obiajulu terrified her. She couldn’t abandon Chinedum and Adaora in strange territory, the King would ask her many questions.
“I have to find Adaora before it is too late.”
She pulled in a deep breath and rushed towards Adaora’s hut.
The moon virgin had stepped out of her hut briefly to fetch some herbs from the bush. This was the reason Uli had missed her earlier. Adaora had felt very uneasy from the moment she had woken up, but she couldn’t place a finger around the anxiety that plagued her. She had decided to collect some herbs which would help with the princess’ wound in a move to distract her mind from what she was feeling. She had prayed to the goddess to take this feeling away from her or explain what was happening to her…
“Please show yourself to me,” she prayed but there was no answer.
As she marched towards her hut, she caught Oriaku’s figure leaning towards her door. A smile radiated on her beautiful face as she increased her steps towards the good woman.
“Good morning!” Adaora called happily. From the look of things, Oriaku was recovering fast. Her skin had regained its lovely glow and her eyes were warm with happiness.
Oriaku returned the smile, “I have searched everywhere for you beautiful one. Where have you been?”
Adaora raised the herbs she carried as an answer.
“I fetched this to help the princess.” She sensed Oriaku had come to tell her something, but she didn’t want to force it.
“Is something wrong?” Adaora dropped the leaves in a basket that stood next to her door.
Oriaku moved closer and in a whisper informed Adaora of Uli’s request.
“The princess came to my hut this morning. She seemed worried about something. She really wanted to see you. She is out of the palace currently but I sensed what she had to tell you is extremely important. She was also in search of Chinedum.”
At first, the sight of Oriaku had reduced the anxiety she felt. But hearing about Uli’s request to see her, made her blood boil more. Oriaku was right. She could feel her blood rippling. She could perceive the stench of her fear. What hurt her most was the fact that Ituri was silent in this time where she really needed her.
“Please! Show yourself to me, do not leave me in the dark!” She raised her hands into the air and cried.
Oriaku bowed her head quietly as the moon virgin prayed. This confirmed her fears that she wasn’t the only one feeling scared. Something evil flew in the air and if it wasn’t stopped, it will consume them all.
Tears stung Adaora’s eyes as she stared at the empty sky. There was no call or answer in the wind. There was no response in the clouds. All the elements of divine nature ignored her cries for help. She sucked in a deep breath and decided that she had to meet Uli to find out what exactly was going on.
“Go back to your hut and wait there. I have to find my master and the princess.”
Oriaku shook her head, “no, I cannot leave you alone. I am uncomfortable around here. Why don’t we stick together?”
Adaora didn’t like the idea of a recovering Obiajulu following her about.
“Please, stay here until I figure out what is going on in this palace.” Adaora didn’t wait for the woman to argue another time. She spun on her heel and walked away. She needed to find her master and Uli before it was too late.
As the moon virgin walked away, she failed to see the figures that stood before her door. A dark skinned woman dressed in a golden gown with serpents on her shoulders stood next to a light skinned man whose face glowed like the son. The gods were present; they had heard her cry but they were willing to let mortals fight on their own.
“Are you sure we shouldn’t help her?” Anyanwu, the god of the sun asked his counterpart.
Ituri chuckled, “if we are too swift to help mortals, they wouldn’t think for themselves. They would become lazy and dependent. Adaora is a worthy vessel and she has always had our help. She must fight alone for some time…”
“But you are aware that the sacrifice would take place tonight? That evil King would become possessed by the powers of your dagger. He would destroy the world with it.” The god of the sun replied.
Ituri shrugged, “We will help when time comes. For now, we stay in the background.”
Oriaku sensed she wasn’t alone at where she stood. She ran her eyes over her surrounding, it felt like someone was watching her but she couldn’t see anyone.
“What do we do with this one? She has suffered enough…” Ituri pointed at the mortal that stood before them.
“She is broken and battered by a mortal man. I wish my daughters would be more thoughtful when they accept proposals from men…” she began to play with the pythons that lay upon her shoulders.
Anyanwu raised a thick brow. His dark brown eyes glowed in amusement.
“When a woman is good, she becomes your daughter…when a man is bad, you call him my son.”
“But Oriaku is a good woman. She must be rewarded.” Ituri replied.
“Yes. She has waited this long for us. She has sacrificed many times for a child. I think it is time to bless her…”
“How do we begin?” Ituri chuckled.
“First, we bless her with a man who will love and respect her. When we are done with this, we bless her with a child.”
Oriaku felt afraid as they sensation of being watched increased. She decided to return to her hut until the moon virgin showed up for her again. As she walked away, her eyes were focused on the ground. So she failed to see the hefty man that approached. It was when her head bumped into something hard that she raised her head.
“Um, sorry…” she apologized to the man before scurrying back to her hut.
The man was the chief guard in the palace. His name was Okorie and his eyes had been on the beautiful stranger from the first time her body was brought from the river. He was tempted to call her back, but he decided to meet with her another time. Currently, he was walking around and eavesdropping for princess Uli. He had been the one that disclosed her brother’s latest plan. Like many of the kingdom dwellers, Okorie was more loyal to the princess than her brother whom everyone feared.
The princess had been heading towards the shrine to meet with Igwekala when she heard her name. At the sound of the deep baritone, a burning sensation started in her chest area. There was only one man that had such a powerful effect on her. Lately, Uli had decided to stay away from Chinedum. He was a married man with children and she could never stand a chance. Adaora had told her a bit about the stranger’s wife. She was the most beautiful woman in Ezeudo and he was very loyal to her. The princess was certain that Chinedum wasn’t the man for her. She had decided on saving Adaora and getting her back to safety. She had also decided to fight her brother for the throne. The people of Amabara deserved a better ruler and some of those who secretly supported her had suggested that she be the next ruler.

TO BE CONTINUED

Story By Davina Diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 29

“May the gods bless the morning!” Chinedum increased his steps so he could meet up with the princess.
All night, he had dreamt of her. It was Uli’s face that had plagued his dreams. When he awoke, he felt very guilty as he remembered that he had left behind his wife and children. From what he observed, the more he tried to fight his growing attraction to the princess, the stronger that attraction became. He was certain that he lusted after her, because he had sworn never to give his heart to another woman after Obiajulu. Seeing her this morning broke the restraint he had. He just couldn’t stay away from her. He silently prayed that his plans to retrieve the dagger worked, so he could return to his wife and family.
Uli licked her lips and forced her eyes shut. He was the last person that she’d wanted to see. She liked Chinedum. He was a good man. But he didn’t feel the same for her. Besides, she had more important matters to attend to. She needed all the focus that she could get.
Chinedum felt uneasy when Uli didn’t respond to his greeting. He hoped he hadn’t done anything to offend her.
“My princess?” He was tempted to touch her arm but he controlled himself. He couldn’t let her know the way he felt. He didn’t want to raise her hopes and hurt hr later.
Slowly, Uli opened her eyes and released the breath she held. She could perceive his clean and masculine scent. It was the smell of a strong man. She wished she could hold his arms and place her head upon his hard chest. She wished she could run her finger across his hairy face.
“Good morning,” she turned around and faced him.
“Um, how are you today?” Chinedum stuttered, not knowing what next to say.
“I am good, thank you.” She replied. The princess pondered on the latest information that she had gotten. She needed to tell him about it so that he would prepare himself but this wasn’t the right environment.
Quickly she grabbed his hand and led him outside the palace. Chinedum didn’t protest or ask any questions. He allowed the princess to lead him until they were far away from the palace. The feel of her soft palms against his hand was pleasurable. He wished he could sweep her into his arms and spin her round. Again, he felt guilty and quickly pushed the thoughts away.
“My brother plans to sacrifice Adaora tonight. He plans to activate the powers of the dagger.” Uli began after releasing his hand.
He scoffed and moved backwards.
“But that isn’t possible. You are still observing the ritual of cleansing. We still have time.” Chinedum was surprised at the suddenness in the King’s plan.
Uli laughed, “I told you, I know my brother. He can be likened to the chameleon. He changes his color like a woman in mourning clothes. I knew he was up to something. But I was two steps ahead of him.” She smiled as she recalled her meeting with the chief priest some days ago.
The princess had paid a little visit to Igwekala at midnight with her trusted guard, Okorie. There were only two people that the King listened to. The first was Efuru, their mother and the second was the chief priest. Uli knew her mother was bound to Chiemelie, she could even sacrifice her life to see him on the throne. Igwekala on the other hand, had no such loyalty. The greedy priest only cared about his belly. From the first day Chinedum had walked into the palace, she had noticed how skeptical her brother had been. Soon, he would start asking questions about him.
“I had to bribe the chief priest not to say anything about you. Knowing my brother quite well, he was going to consult the oracle about you. He is not a fool.”
Chinedum finally understood why they needed the princess on their side.
“So what do we do now?”
Uli shrugged, “I have information that Igwekala has delivered his promise to me. We have to take the dagger swiftly before he changes his mind. If Chiemelie finds out that the priest tricked him, everyone concerned in this plot would be put to death.”
As she spoke, Chinedum couldn’t help but wonder why Uli was so different from her brother. He had found it difficult to trust her at first, but she was very concerned about justice and rescuing the moon virgin.
“Why are you so passionate about this fight?” He adored her more for her passion.
Blood tweaked her cheeks as she felt cornered. She was suddenly shy as she realized that they were alone.
“I have watched along the years how my brother brutally killed innocent women, men and children while in search of the ancient dagger. He is a blood thirsty man and if he is allowed to rule both kingdoms, many people will perish.”
He nodded as he listened to her, when she finished he asked another question.
“So how do we retrieve the dagger now?”
“I don’t know for sure, but we must try our best to retrieve it before midnight comes. You will flee to Ezeudo with Adaora and Oriaku. If my brother realizes that his dagger is missing, you will be the first suspect.”
His heart missed a beat when he heard the word, ‘flee.’ Chinedum had gotten used to her. Leaving her behind wasn’t going to be easy because she had grown on him.
“How do you intend to face your brother’s wrath when we are gone?” He couldn’t think of any harm befalling her. He’d rather take her with him than let her stay behind.
Uli was surprised that he showed concern for her.
“Some of us are meant to sacrifice for others. I am not afraid of death. If I die by my brother’s hands, I will know that I died a worthy death. I died in trying to save my people.”
Though he loved the heroic words that poured from her lips, he wasn’t comfortable with that arrangement. He reached for her hands and collected them. His eyes fell upon her face. He didn’t look away this time; he stared deeply into her eyes.
“I will not leave you behind.”
Uli was afraid to return his penetrating gaze. Already, this stranger had a special place in her heart. She stared at the trees behind them instead.
“I have already made up my mind to stay back. Ezeudo is not my home. The people will not welcome me there.” With this, she pulled her arms away from him and made ready for the shrine where she intended to finalize her payment to Igwekala for playing his part.
At that moment, Chinedum couldn’t hold back his feelings for her. He couldn’t imagine the guilt that would plague him should he leave the princess behind and at the mercy of her brother. He grabbed her arm and turned her around.
Anger flashed in Uli’s eyes when he pushed her to himself. What exactly did Chinedum want from her? Why was he making things difficult for both of them? She was trying her best to avoid him. She didn’t want to make a fool of herself.
“I must go now!” She snapped at him.
“I know…” He leaned closer and bruised her soft lips with his wet mouth.
At first there was a struggle. Uli had not seen this coming. She had tried to fight it, but her desire for him overshadowed every inhibition that she had imagined. She encircled his shoulders with her arms. He drew her soft body closer to him and deepened the kiss. He slipped his tongue into the well of her mouth and ensured that the kiss was passionate and pleasurable for them both. They were deeply engrossed in their kiss that they failed to see the person coming. It was the whistling of the wind that brought them back to reality.
Uli pressed a shaky hand against her chest as she looked into his eyes. She found it difficult to believe what had just happened.
“Stay away from me!” She waved a finger over Chinedum’s face before scurrying away.
“No! Wait!” Chinedum felt horrible as he realized that she hadn’t enjoyed the kiss. He had bridged her privacy and made an utter fool of himself.
It was then that the watcher decided to announce her presence.
“Master!” Adaora cleared her throat. She had been searching the place for the two when some guards informed her that they had just stepped out of the palace. The sight of their romance hadn’t come as a shock to her. It pleased her to see that they were both happy. But she was worried about the princess. She didn’t know her master’s plans, but she needed to warn Uli about Obiajulu’s wicked nature.
“Let her go!” Adaora bellowed. Obviously, the princess was in shock as the kiss had happened very fast. Chinedum stood still when he heard Adaora’s voice; he was shocked to see her there. He felt embarrassed.

TO BE CONTINUED

Story By Davina Diaries

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Goddess Of The Sun (Adaora Part 2) - Episode 30

“I am sorry it is not what it looks like,” he began to apologize hoping that Adaora wouldn’t have a bad image of him. He was a married man and had no business chasing another woman especially when his wife had fulfilled all of her duties.
Adaora flashed her teeth.
“You don’t have to be sorry about anything master. It is not a crime to be in love with a woman.”
Adaora felt sad for him. She recalled Oriaku’s story about Obiajulu’s cheating ways, if only he knew that his wife was unfaithful. This would be the right time to make his intentions towards the princess proper; that is if she loved him as much.
Chinedum’s brows came together in wonder.
“So you approve of my attraction to Uli?”
Adaora shrugged, “it is not my approval that you need. I just want you to know that loving a beautiful soul like the princess isn’t a crime.” She sighed.
He decided to ponder on those words later, but he felt horrible for cheating on Obiajulu.
“I have been searching the whole palace for both of you.” Adaora played with her fingers as she stared at the lonely surrounding. It was a hidden bush path.
“Something has just happened and I need to tell you.” He called her closer and relayed all the information that Uli had given to him. The King had already made his plans, with the help of Igwekala who was now on their side, Chiemelie was going to make his move. There was no better time to steal the dagger than that day.
The plan sounded promising, but Adaora could spot many loopholes in it.
“So it was Igwekala’s idea to sacrifice me tonight? Whatever happened to the cleansing ritual of seven days? Does he know the repercussion of stopping the ritual for something else? How much do we trust this man?” She wasn’t being pessimistic, but she had a strange feeling about the whole thing. She remembered how Igwekala had supported the King when she had been kidnapped from Ezeudo. Such a man had his loyalties to the throne and Uli had made a mistake in trusting him.
Chinedum scratched his beard. He was confused by these new points that the moon virgin had raised.
“I think she trusts him, she wouldn’t have bribed him.”
Adaora inhaled deeply, “the gods have refused to speak to me. We are on our own now. We must rely on our intuition. In this matter, I felt we made a mistake by brining Igwekala in. We must find the dagger as quickly as possible. I have a feeling that Uli may be walking into a trap.”
Chinedum realized that everything that Ada was saying was true.
“What do we do now? Do we wait for her to return?” He asked.
Adaora shook her head, “no. We have to take the dagger ourselves.”
He scoffed, “under broad daylight? That is walking into fire.”
She shrugged, “would you rather wait till midnight when I may be sacrificed?”
“I will go after the dagger; you should find your way to Igwekala’s shrine. The princess must be rescued.” Adaora suggested.
“No, I will go after the dagger while you go after the princess.” He countered.
Adaora felt it was right for her to take the dagger; after all she was the moon virgin.
“I know the palace more than you do. Please go ahead for Uli.”
She didn’t wait for him to argue. She simply turned around and began to run towards the palace of Eze Chiemelie of Amabara. The drums of the final dance were beating and the night was near.
Again, the gods appeared in the gentle wind that blew.
“Do you think we should help them now?” Anyanwu’s fiery gaze stuck to the back of the moving moon virgin.
The moon goddess, Ituri, caressed her chin gently.
“No. Adaora has proven to be the wisest of them all. We will only help when the time comes.”
Chinedum sneezed as the wind raised dust particles towards his nostrils. The hairs on his back arose as a strange sensation of being watched filled him. He shook off the feeling and reminded himself of his many encounters in the forest as a hunter.
“I must find her. I must rescue Uli.”
Two days had passed since the gods brought justice upon Obiajulu and Anosike for their heinous acts. Fear had spread over the land at the swiftness of justice. People trembled as they thought of the blindness that had struck Chinedum’s cheating wife. They all couldn’t wait for the return of her husband.
“It’s been weeks since the moon virgin and Chinedum left. Are you sure they are still alive?” The Queen mother asked.
Ikemba had been out on a morning stroll. He had felt like strolling around Ezeudo to see the welfare of his people. He was also troubled concerning Obiajulu. How could anyone cheat on a man like Chinedum? How could she have lured him in with her evil spell? He tried to imagine the pain that his cousin would feel when he returned.
“The gods assure me of their safety. I do not know when they will return but we must prepare ourselves for the worst.” He replied. Already, he had given an order for the warriors to begin their training. He knew how tricky Chiemelie was. Ikemba didn’t want his kingdom to be taken by surprise, so he was keeping his fingers crossed.
The Queen felt a little bit relieved.
“I never believed that Anosike could cheat on a woman like Oriaku. How could he sleep with his best friend’s wife? Truly, the gods are the only ones that can read the intentions of our hearts.”
The Queen had recalled Anosike’s strange behavior when she had asked after Oriaku.
“I am happy that she isn’t dead. Wherever that good woman is, she shall be brought back to Ezeudo.”
On a lighter note, the Queen elbowed her son.
“If the gods hadn’t chosen the moon virgin for you, I would have asked you to marry Oriaku. She is a wonderful person.” When she finished speaking, the King laughed. His mother was right about Oriaku, but he had no romantic interest in people’s wives.
“Thank you for your concern, I am waiting for the moon virgin.” Ikemba winked. Thoughts of the woman he had never seen usually warmed his heart. It was strange, really. But he was convinced that she was the woman for him. He couldn’t wait for the day of her final return.
They both fell silent and continued walking, with the royal guards solidly behind them. Mother and son acknowledged the greetings of the people with kind words or a simple smile. It was Ikemba that noticed a plump woman who approached them. Perhaps he was imagining it, but she had a striking resemblance with Obiajulu.
“My royals,” she bowed her head in greeting.
The royals stopped and watched the woman. She was Ifeyinwa, Obiajulu’s aunt.
“Please, do not hold it against my niece. Please do not banish her from your land. You have a kind and forgiving heart, please be merciful.”
Ikemba lifted a confused brow.
“How may I be of help to you woman? Who do you plead for?”
The plump woman fiddled with her hands as she thought of the great shame that Obiajulu had brought upon Chinedum’s household. She had wanted to run back to her village the day that Obiajulu had been struck with blindness. But when she remembered the purpose of her journey to Ezeudo, she kept still. The gods had promised to give her a child, but the only person who could make that come true was the moon virgin. Ifeyinwa had decided to wait and pray for the safe return of the moon virgin. But one thing was certain. Once Chinedum returned, she was leaving for her village. She couldn’t share the same roof with a murderous and wicked person like Obiajulu.
“I plead for my niece…” she stuttered.
“Your niece?” The Queen mother stepped in.
“Obiajulu,” she murmured.
The royals didn’t wait for her to finish. They abandoned the woman in her kneeling position and continued their walk.
Tears rolled down Ifeyinwa’s cheeks as she thought of the eternal disgrace that Anwuli’s daughter had brought upon their family.
“It will never be well with you Obiajulu for this humiliation that you have caused me.” She cursed as she rose to her feet. All she prayed for was the swift return of the moon virgin.

TO BE CONTINUED

Story By Davina diaries