Rise, Grandfather, Rise

Kingdom of Mercia

She had all day to think about what happened. Her thoughts tormented her. _How could he leave without so much as a goodbye, _she wondered. She held the blue stone in her hand, between her thumb and index finger. _What was that stone doing in Arledge’s room? _She asked herself. And where have I seen it before?

She sighed as more thoughts flooded her mind. The door opened. She turned to see her stepmother smiling, “Winfred, there you are. I haven’t seen you all day. Your little brother Prince George asked about you.”

She put on her best smile, “I’ve been thinking.”

“About?”

“Nothing really and everything.”

Queen Godgifu sighed, “I understand completely,” she said as her hands touched Winfred’s face, “They’ll be coming soon to pack up your things; the dressmakers thought it would be a great idea to finish your dress at the castle in North Umbria since the design has so many intricate jewels and pieces.”

“I don’t need anything too fancy.”

“Nonsense, you only get married once. You may as well do it up!”

She watched as the Queen strutted out of her room. Moments later, three women entered and bowed, “Your Grace, we are here to help you pack your things.”

Princess Winfred nodded. Her mind filled with thoughts about Arledge as she sat by the window staring at the stables where she used to see him with the horses. She dropped the stone. It rolled next to one of her servant’s feet.

The woman bent over to retrieve the item. She walked over to the window, “M’lady, I believe this is yours,” she said as she placed the stone into Winfred’s hand. When she touched Winfred, she had a vision. She smiled.

Winfred made a face, “What is it?”

The woman shook her head rapidly, “It’s nothing, M’lady. I was just—”

“Gunna, we have a lot of work, leave the Princess be.”

Gunna bowed and hurried along to finish packing the chest. The older woman was still in the room after the two younger ones left. “Ma’am what is your name,” Winfred asked.

“I’m no one M’lady.”

“We are all someone. Please tell me your name.”

“I am Agnes.”

“I haven’t seen you around.”

“I was brought into service with the other two women from North Umbria not long ago.”

“And your names are not Saxon.”

The woman shook her head, “No. But we have lived here for some time. We have been baptized and follow the Christian ways.” She made the sign for the cross, “I should get back to work. There is still much to be done.”

Princes Winfred nodded. The woman left her. The princess turned, her eyes looking toward the stables. She decided there was no need to cry any more tears. She stared at the stone in her hand and smiled. I will keep this stone. Perhaps you left it for me as a symbol of our forbidden love, she thought as she imagined his face.

“Cousin,” she heard Lady Darleen’s voice.

She turned around and saw her dressed magnificently.

“Our things are almost ready. We’re leaving by first light tomorrow.”

She smiled. “You look lovely,” Winfred commented.

“Don’t I always.”

Winfred smiled, “Yes, of course. It’s just you are radiating.”

“I’m excited about the possibilities.” She reached for her necklace, but it wasn’t on her neck.

”What happened to your lovely necklace?”

“It’s being repaired.”

“Do you think you can have your jeweler make me something nice with this stone I found,” she opened her hand and showed it to Darleen.

Darleen froze, “Where on earth?”

“Can you keep a secret?”

“You know I can.”

“I think Arledge left it for me. I found it in his room.”

“Did you and Arledge?”

“Of course not,” she replied quickly, “but you know, that I loved him. And he loved me. He knew we could never be wed. So he left me this stone before he went away.”

Darleen held the stone. She knew that it was the stone that was missing from her necklace. And her cousin was giving it to her to make a symbolic piece of jewelry for her and Arledge's love. “I’ll see what I can do,” she said reluctantly.

“Nothing too fancy. Something simple. A ring. Or a bracelet.”

“Sure,” she replied as she cleared her throat, “I’ll get to it promptly. Perhaps it will be done before the morning.”

Winfred smiled.

*****

The jeweler’s shop had several shelves lined with precious pieces. Darleen walked inside. The old man spotted her, “Lady Darleen, I was going to have your order sent to the castle.”

“Well, I’m here now.”

He looked over the top of his glasses, “You certainly are," he grinned as he looked at her plump breasts, "let me grab the necklace for you.” He shuffled over to a locked drawer and pulled out the necklace, “I couldn’t find the exact stone that matched the others, but I think this is a nice replacement,” he stated proudly about his work.

He set a clear stone with a blue tint in the center spot, where the lost one once occupied space. “It’s lovely.”

“Allow me,” he said as he placed the necklace on her neck and fastened it.

She turned to him and showed him the stone. He took it from her hand, “Well, imagine that. It matches the stones in your necklace. I can replace—”

“No, no, It’s fine the way it is. I love what you’ve done. I just. I want to use this stone as a gift to the princess as a wedding gift. What can you do with it?”

He studied it, “Several things. I can make a nice ring. I can add more stones and make another necklace. How much would you like to spend?”

She looked inside of her purse and pulled out a few gold coins, “Whatever this can buy. I need it by the morning.”

“I should get to work then. I will work on it all night and have it ready by the morning.”

Darleen smiled. When she left, her heart ached. She touched the new stone on the necklace.

*****

Darleen was in a daze as she walked toward her room. She ran into Queen Godgifu, “For heaven’s sake, Darleen!” The Queen exclaimed. “what on earth are you so preoccupied with?” she asked with concern.

“I’m fine. Really.”

Queen Godgifu scanned her suspiciously. She noticed her necklace, “I see you had your mother’s necklace repaired.”

“Yes. I have. I found the stone.”

Her head tilted, “But you have a different piece in the center.”

“I know. Winfred handed it to me hours ago. She thinks Arledge left it in his quarters as a token of their love. She wanted me to have something made for her with the stone.”

The Queen sighed, “Well, I say it’s a small price to pay for ruining her happiness.”

“But what if she realizes the stone once belonged to me? That it came from this necklace.”

“How could she? Many stones look similar.” She touched her chin, “Don’t worry so much. You’ll develop wrinkles on your forehead. And you aren’t married yet.”

“I know. How long will it be before I can get Prince Liam?”

“All things in due time. Now run along. Go see how Winfred is doing. Poor thing."

Darleen nodded.

******

Winfred was in her room reading when the servant entered. She looked up; their eyes connected, “Gunna?”

She paused and stood looking down.

Winfred placed her book on the bed and walked over to her. She smiled, “You don’t have to be afraid.”

She bowed, “Your Grace.”

“Earlier, you touched my hand. You smiled. You were about to say something, but you stopped.”

“It was nothing, M’lady.”

She saw how nervous the woman was. Winfred read many books and learned of people who could sense things. She often wondered how true it was or if it was just foolishness. “Did you see something about my future?”

The woman smiled and nodded rapidly, “It’s just...I wouldn’t want to say anything that offends.”

Winfred’s eyebrows lifted. Her heart raced, “You have permission to speak freely.”

The woman looked around, “Are you sure?”

“It’s fine; it’s late. No one is up at this hour.”

“You are with child.”

Winfred touched her belly, “Are you certain?”

“I saw it. A beautiful baby girl.”

Winfred gulped. It’s a good thing I’m getting married in a few days, she thought.

You and the Prince have already been intimate.”

Winfred smiled, “Of course. We figured we were getting married anyway.”

As the woman was about to leave, Winfred reached for her wrist, “You can’t speak of this to anyone.”

Suddenly the woman had another vision.

“What is it?” asked Winfred.

“You will have a hard pregnancy.”

“Will the baby survive?”

She nodded, “There will be a woman. She will be your saving grace. Protect her. She will be your greatest friend.”

Winfred nodded, “I want to give you something,” she said sweetly, Winfred walked over to a stand and pulled out a beautiful comb with pearls, “This is for you. You have beautiful hair,” she added as she placed the comb on the right side of Gunna’s hair.

Gunna smiled, “You are very kind and generous.” Gunna turned to leave, she grabbed the last of the things to be placed on the cart before walking out. The door closed and Gunna continued on her path.

As she walked blissfully, she had a weird feeling. She held several garments in her arms. She turned. There was nothing. She continued until she was outside by the cart.

She placed the fine garments into a sack and under a cover with the rest of the items that were to accompany Winfred and Darleen. Just as she turned around, her head was struck with a rock.

Her body hit the ground. Blood spilled from her head. A soft hand reached down and removed the pretty comb from her head.

Two men lifted the body and took it away.

*****

Ife, Northwest Africa

Enofe was visibly upset at just about everyone for what transpired between his son and Yande. He fussed at Mahammadu, “You have brought great shame upon yourself. Getting beat by a girl.”

His wife hissed, “Will you leave the boy be? He’s had enough for today.”

Enofe sucked his teeth and left the house.

Yande was in the kitchen with Chidi and Sade when their mean aunt waddled into the room, “Shouldn’t you all be in bed?”

They looked at each other and simultaneously left. They went into Chidi’s room. It was small, but the three girls made do. Chidi was in bed. Sade and Yande slept on the floor.

“My heart was filled with so much joy when you put Mahammadu in his place,” said Chidi happily.

Yande smiled as she remembered taking him down. Her smile quickly faded when she remembered how angry her mother was. “Hopefully, he’ll be nicer to people.”

“He probably won’t,” said Sade.

“Did you see the looks on our brothers’ faces when you beat Mahammadu?”

She chuckled, “Samba knows that I am a fighter. Just like my mother.”

“I think Oluwa was so impressed by your fighting skills. I think he may love you,” said Chidi.

Yande sat up, “Love?” she giggled, “That’s a strong word.”

“Do you like him?”

She looked at Sade and chuckled, “He is handsome, his skin is beautiful, he has nice teeth.”

“Ew,” complained Sade, “my brother is so annoying. He thinks he’s the boss of me.”

Yande and Chidi chuckled at Sade’s aggravation. Once the laughter subsided, Yande spoke, “Oluwa is handsome. He will make some woman a fine husband one day, but I didn’t see myself in his future.”

“Whom did you see?” asked Chidi.

Yande looked at her cousin, “You like Oluwa, don’t you?”

She smiled, “Maybe. But I can see that he likes you.”

“Yes, but I will leave in a few days. You will still be here. I’m sure your mother would love to see you married to a man like Oluwa. He comes from a good family.”

Chidi laid back and smiled. Her eyes closed. Soon after, she fell asleep.

*****

Aminata was outside of the main house in the yard. They had pitched three tents. One for themselves, one for Kalu and his family, and another for his crew members. In their tent, they lay quietly. There was a little light from a few candles that burned.

Joaquin eased closer to her and spoke in Portuguese, “Can we stop being angry?”

She turned to him and looked into his green eyes. They had always been her weakness, “Why do I love you so?”

He touched her nose and smiled, “I love you one thousand times more.”

She sighed, “We didn’t come here to make enemies. I hoped to renew friendships and mend things with my people. I want our children to be able to come here to visit.”

He sighed, “I know. And I am sorry, But not everything is our fault. We came here with good intentions. It’s the people making it hard.”

She shook her head, “Yande had a vision.”

“About?”

“She saw me holding a baby boy.”

His eyes squinted, “What does that mean? Are you?”

She shrugged, “Perhaps. I am concerned for many reasons.”

He licked his pretty lips, “Don’t be concerned. You know that I love you. I will love our baby no matter what.”

She smiled. She peeled off her top. She had beautiful breasts. Still full after breastfeeding two children. She eased on top of him. She felt his power fill her center.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” she moaned in delight. Up and down his rod, she went. His hands cupped her breasts. Many things brought her to that moment. Her mind saw the vision, finally. She was pregnant. She also saw his face. The father.

She looked down into her husband’s eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks. He knew she had seen it. He pulled her close, and held the sides of her face, “It’s all right, it’s okay.”

She nodded. He rolled on top and pressed deeper. She gasped as the orgasm hit. He kissed her mouth. He knew taking Aminata to Portugal was a risk. His father objected to the marriage but his favorite uncle, King Tomas convinced his father to let the marriage go on.

Tomas had an eye for exquisite things and Aminata was a lovely vision. She looked exotic. She had almond-shaped brown eyes, and her eyelashes were long, which added to her allure. Her skin was dark and smooth like velvet. Her body was curvy and she possessed this amazing inner strength he had not seen. She intrigued him and Joaquin knew it. It was a chance they were willing to take to secure their lives in Lisbon, Portugal.

******

The night crept on; the house was quiet. Yande sat up. Her lovely hair was pulled back into a single braid. She wore a white shirt and a pair of white short pants. She left her spot on the floor. Her hand touched the door. It opened; she peered out and saw no one.

Her bare feet tiptoed toward her grandfather’s room as she carried a small white drawstring bag of stones. Just as she neared his room, she heard her name. Startled, she turned, “Oluwa, what are you doing awake?” she asked softly.

“I couldn’t sleep. I was going to go for some water; I saw you. What are you doing?”

“I was going to go look in on my grandfather.”

“At this hour, why?”

“I want to save him.”

His head tilted. Oluwa believed in the visions his mother had but he had a hard time understanding other things. Were people able to be healed by the hands of humans? Or was it just by chance?

“You don’t think I can do it?”

“Yande, it’s not that I don’t think—”

“Then what is it?”

“I want to believe it.” He touched her cheek. She felt warmed by his touch. Her hand touched his; he leaned in closer. Softly his lips touched hers briefly, "What’s the matter?”

She shook her head, “I have to go while I have a chance.”

He stood by the entrance and looked through the curtain. He watched Yande place the colored stones around her grandfather. Afterward, she placed her left hand on her grandfather’s chest. She held his left hand in her right. She muttered a prayer repeatedly. He saw her standing still.

Yande was in another realm. She saw darkness surrounding her grandfather. She heard her great-grandmother’s voice, “You have to do it tonight, or he will crossover.”

She nodded, “What do I do?”

“Command the darkness to leave. Breathe your breath into his nostrils, and tell him to rise.”

“I command you to leave,” she said softly.

The darkness gripped him tighter; he choked. Her great-grandmother urged her to be forceful. Yande spoke again. She was forceful, "I demand you to release him!”

Slowly, the darkness dissipated. Yande leaned over and blew into his nostrils, “Grandfather wake up.”

He gasped and sat up in bed. His arms stretched; he held her face, “Yande, granddaughter.”

She smiled.

Oluwa stood by the door amazed, “How, how—”

She turned to him. She was about to speak. He saw her knees buckle. He made it to her just in time to catch her before she dropped, “Are you okay?” he asked.

“And who are you?”

“I’m Oluwa. A friend of Yande’s.”

“Kalu’s boy, my, how you’ve grown.”

Yande steadied herself. She looked at her grandfather, “How do you feel?”

“Never better. How are you, my child?”

“Happy.”

His pearly white teeth shined in the soft-lit room, “I am also happy, so very happy,”

“What is happening,” they heard Chaigoze’s voice along with Zauna’s.

Chaigoze hurried over to her husband, “You are awake, awake, Mobo, my love,” her eyes watered.

“Father,” Zauna said as she joined her mother by her father’s bedside. Zauna looked back at Yande. Their eyes connected for a moment. She was about to speak.

Yande spoke first, “I’ll go tell my mother.”

Zauna nodded.

Yande and Oluwa left the room. “If I had not seen that with my eyes, I would have never believed it,” admitted Oluwa.

She turned to him, “Yes. I’m still shocked by it as well.”

They left the house and went outside. Yande was outside the tent, “Mother, mother,” she called out.

Moments later, “Joaquin and Aminata came out of the tent wearing robes, “What is it, Yande?”

“It’s your father.”

Aminata’s eyes watered, “Is he?”

Yande shook her head, “He’s awake. He’s smiling and happy—”

They watched Aminata take off into the house. Joaquin hugged Yande. The way Oluwa looked at her seemed different. Joaquin went back into his tent. Yande and Oluwa walked back toward the house; she paused, “Are you okay?”

He nodded, “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

She went to touch him; he moved away. She nodded and went into the house, “Yande—” he called out her name, but she never turned to him.

*****

The house buzzed. Only Enofe and his family remained asleep. But when Enofe heard the house with so much chatter before the day’s first light, he got out of bed angrily. His wife looked at him, “What is the matter?” she asked him with an attitude.

“Do you hear all the noise, or is it just me?”

“It’s hard to hear anything over all your snoring.”

He sucked his teeth and left the room. He marched in the direction of the voices. He saw his family gathered in his father’s room—the room where he lay for days stuck between life and ****.

His jaw hit the floor when his eyes met his father’s, “How?”

“Hello, Enofe,” Mobo said with a big smile, “come join us.”

Slowly he walked closer and looked into his father’s eyes. Mobo reached for his hand, “I heard that you have been in charge while I was ill. I am well now and will address the people’s issues tomorrow.”

“Are you sure? So soon?”

“Yes. I feel well.” He stood and did a spin, “Thanks to Yande, whatever curse that was keeping me is gone. I feel better than I have in years.”

Enofe turned and eyed Yande. _You little bitch, _he said and it was as if she could hear his thoughts. She smirked.

“I will let you rest, Father,” Enofe said before he left the room.