Challenging Destiny

Ife, Northwest Africa

The calm after the storm. Things were somewhat settled. However, Enofe’s wife grunted throughout the meal. She was visibly upset that her husband had not been home all day. And even more annoyed that Grandfather Mobo was asking questions about Enofe's actions while he was ill. She accused everyone of turning against her family. She left the table huffing and puffing.

After dinner, Yande was outside with her mother. She sat between her legs as her mother braided her long thick black hair away from her face in several braids that showed off her amazing high cheekbones and dazzling eyes. Her mother sang sweetly as she wrapped her arms around her daughter.

Yande smiled. Yet something was troubling her. Yande's eyes were fast on Oluwa as he stood behind Chidi helping her with her archer skills.

Aminata kissed her head, “Are you all right?”

Yande stood, “Yes, I am fine.”

Her mother stood and looked her eye-to-eye. She touched the sides of her face, “are you sure?”

She nodded, “Yes.”

“I’ll be inside if you want to talk.”

She smiled.

******

Deep in the woods is where his journey took him. He had to see the witch doctor who provided the root work on his father. He knocked on the door. No one answered. Slowly he pushed in the door and stepped inside.

There were spears of various sizes, knives, swords, and shields. There was also the stuff that made Enofe uneasy. Such as seeing weird body parts of animals...maybe even humans, suspended in a jar of clear liquid. The odor wasn’t the most pleasant either.

In several cages were chickens. They clucked and flapped their wings. Then there was a glass with lizards and other bugs.

“Enofe,” the strong voice called to him.

He turned with wide eyes and saw him, Kwento. He had a towering stance. His brown eyes looked upon Enofe with curiosity, “So, did it work? Is he dead?” he asked as if he already knew the answer.

Enofe huffed, “It did not. I want my money back.”

He let out a boisterous laugh, “Now, now Enofe, I do not give refunds. You owe me.”

Enofe folded his arms, “Why would I pay you anything else when the very thing I paid you to do, did not work?”

Kwento kissed his teeth and rubbed the stubble on his chin, “I do not know what to say, my friend. All I know is you have to pay more. I handled a disastrous situation for you today, or have you not learned of what happened today when your father had a meeting in the village?”

“I have been traveling all day to get here.” He paced, “So, you already know my father is alive and well.”

He nodded, “Of course. I have my spies as you should,” he shook his head, “many men will seek power. Some will find it. But not all that find it deserve it.”

Enofe grumbled angrily, “Listen, you fake witch doctor or whatever you call yourself,” he hissed as he drew his sword, “You will do the work on my father as I paid you, and I will not pay you anything else. You would be wise to recognize that I will soon have power.”

Kwento smiled, “There is but one simple problem.”

“And what is that?”

Three men barged into the room with arrows at the ready, “You are not in control. And if you don’t do as I command...you will never breathe another breath.”

He gulped and sheathed his sword, “I am sorry. I am just—”

“I know. Look,” he said as he walked toward Enofe, “my sources told me there was a girl. She was a beautiful young thing...ripe. Her skin was fair, yet her features were every bit of an African goddess. Eyes were like shiny green crystals.”

Enofe scoffed, “Are you speaking of my sister’s daughter?”

“I don’t know who she is. She was with your father. If she is your father’s granddaughter. Then she is your niece.”

“What do you want with the pale-faced girl?”

He shrugged, “I want to meet her. Talk to her. She interests me. There was some intense energy around her. One of my men said that she nearly killed a man as he stood in his shop by merely looking into his eyes. No witch has possessed that kind of power since your grandmother. You remember her?”

He remained silent.

“Well, Enofe? Your life and power for a simple conversation with the girl.”

“The girl hates me. And her parents would never allow me to leave the village with her. They leave here in two days. What could you possibly want to ask her?”

“As I stated before. I am simply interested in meeting her. Once I speak with her and learn of her gifts. I’ll send her back safe and sound.”

“Are you sure? Because my sister—"

“Yes. I am sure. Now go. Bring her to me. I’ll handle your father and you can lead in his place.”

*****

Scandinavia

Days had passed. Revna was home alone. She had no children to care for. Her mind was idle and that was never good for her. She looked out her window and saw the beautiful Ida strolling toward the great hall.

The people loved Ida. She was proven in battle, she was wise, and she was easy on the eyes. She grumbled as she saw her pass by,_ if only she would disappear, _she thought. I want her gone! She screamed.

There was a knock at her door. She pulled herself together and answered, “Lady Yana, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

She looked inside waiting to be invited in, “I heard wailing or a terrifying scream as I was leaving the docks, are you all right?”

“Yes, just the frustrations of a lonely woman. I’m sure you can understand.”

She touched her belly, “Yes,” she smiled.

“Come inside, I forgot my manners.”

Yana walked inside and stood surveying the modest home.

“Lady, are you with child?”

“Yes, I know it’s too early to tell, but ever since the seer told me, I haven’t been able to stop touching my belly.”

“Congratulations. May I offer you a drink?”

“Oh, I’m fine.” She sighed, “I only wish I could have told Sigurd before he sailed off. I hope the Gods return him home safely.”

“They will. Him and Sven.”

“Yes, all of our warriors. A safe voyage and a safe return.”

She gave an uneasy smile, “Question.”

“Sure.”

“How are things with you and Lady Ida.”

She shrugged, “Fine, I suppose. She is my sister-in-law, after all. Why do you ask?”

“It’s just...I don’t know if you’re aware...my husband Sven has had this thing with Ida for years.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing. You are the wife. What does it matter?”

Her eyes watered a little, “I haven’t been able to give him a child. We have tried many times. If that woman gives my husband a son before I do—”

Yana's eyes widened as she waited for her declaration. But Revna held back, “I just don’t think I could live. I couldn’t.”

She sighed, “I understand.

*****

After speaking freely with Lady Yana, Revna went for a walk. She needed to clear her mind. She spotted the Seer Astrid packing things onto a cart, “You are The Seer, Astrid,” Revna called out to her.

She turned and saw Revna walking toward her, “Yes. I am Astrid, The Seer.”

“Where are you going?”

“For many nights, since Jarl Sigurd left, I have had the most troubling visions...chaos...bloodshed, ****.”

Her face morphed to confusion, “Here? But why...how?”

“You have to pass the message to the shield maiden Ida to get as many people to flee as soon as possible, or there will be chaos and many people will die. And the child she carries may not even take its first breath.”

Astrid mounted her horse and carriage, “You must pass the message.”

Revna nodded.

“You will pass the message?”

“Yes of course. I’ll do it right away.”

Astrid’s smile was solemn. She hated to leave her home but she was confident if they fled in advance, there would be a chance for Jarl Sigurd to reclaim what was rightly his.

******

Ife, Northwest Africa

The crazy day was behind her; Yande stood outside under constellations enjoying the sounds of the night. Her brother walked up behind her, “Sister, how are you?” he asked.

She smiled, “I am well.”

“Are you sure? I know you.”

Smiled, “You do, don’t you.”

He nodded, “I saw you watching Oluwa help Chidi earlier. Does it hurt you to know you will not have him?”

She sighed, “I do not know. I am sad, perhaps, just because I am. People have those moments.”

“Ah, yes, but usually those moments are triggered by things. I say, if you want Oluwa, then don’t give up. Who cares what the vision says.”

Yande made a face, eyebrow raised, “You know better than to defy the gods.”

He sucked his teeth, “I am not so much into the gods as you are. I am more Christian. I believe that we can be navigators of our fate and destinies.”

“I don’t know, Samba. Whenever we go against what is fated...it seems that nothing but utter chaos ensues, and then we find ourselves trying to fix things, only to end up right where we should have all along.”

“Um,” he responded, “It’s getting late; we should probably go inside and sleep.”

“I’ll be there in just a moment. I need a few more moments under the stars.”

He turned and walked back to the back.

********

They had traveled a great distance. Darleen was annoyed by Winfred’s mood, “Oh, cheer up, for God’s sake. You’re about to marry a prince. You could very well be a Queen one day.”

Winfred sighed. She couldn’t stop thinking about Gunna. She had hoped to see her that morning, but she heard from the other servants that Agnes and Gunna had disappeared. “I am fine, cousin. You need not worry.”

Darleen’s face lit up, “Great. I thought you were still upset about those servants gone missing. I have no idea why you always get so attached to the help.”

Winfred huffed, “Just because we were born with titles does not mean we should not care for those who were not.”

Darleen sat back quietly. The carriage slowed. She looked out the window, “Why are they stopping?”

Winfred shrugged. The door opened; there was the new driver, an older man named David, “Your majesty and M’lady, the King has urged that we stop here.”

Darleen scoffed, “Here in this...this place. It’s only a few more hours to the castle.”

The driver tried not to roll his eyes, but he did sigh, “It’s several more hours. The horses need rest, and there is a dreadful storm. It’s for your safety.

The village was quaint. There was an Inn where the royal family intended to stay for the night. As Graham, the driver of the princess’s carriage, helped Lady Darleen out, she looked around and huffed, “Are you sure we could not have continued to the castle?”

Winfred interrupted, “This place is fine, Darleen. It’s better than sleeping outside.”

“Are you certain?” she replied. Just as she finished her statement, lightning flashed, and the roar of thunder caused her to jump.

“We are so pleased to have you stay with us tonight. It’s not often we get visitors of such fine standing,” said the Innkeeper. He was an older man. His hair was short on the sides and slick to the skin in the center with a few strands of hair.

“We are happy to stay, isn’t that right, dear cousin?”

Darleen put on her best smile. She watched as everyone hurried to get inside. Graham was old enough to be Darleen’s father yet, he was a handsome man with a solid build, “Lady Darleen, we must get inside now before—”

Suddenly, the droplets fell, pelting their skin. She squealed. Her hands gathered the bottom of her dress so she could run.

*****

The Castle in Northumbria

Rain poured down on the castle as the sky lit intermittently. Oswald had successfully secured Abigale a job inside the castle, working in the kitchen. That night, they met in a secluded place, a room within the walls of the castle, a place the royals could hide if the gates were breached.

He lay on the narrow bed as Abigale looked down at him. “I love you, Oswald,” she moaned sweetly. Her breasts were full as he cupped them. “Tell me you love me.”

“Yes, Abigale, uh, ssss, I—I love you.” He released his load into her.

They hummed in unison. She leaned over to kiss his mouth. Her fingers slid through the soft strands of his hair, “I know you have to marry her, but please don’t give her your heart.”

He touched her face, “My heart belongs to you.”

She rolled off him and lay with her back against the wall. He sat up. “Where are you going?’ she asked with a flirtatious smile.

“You know that the Princess and her family are en route. I must return to my bed chambers.”

She kneeled in the bed. Her breasts dangled. Her hair was tussled. Her tiny belly was starting to form. “I’m sure they won’t make it tonight. The storm is terrible. You know princesses don’t like to get wet.”

He chuckled as he dressed himself. “I still must get to my chambers. My mother and father have been riding me harder than usual as of late. Everything must appear as it should.”

She walked over to him. Her lips touched his, “Fine.” She rubbed her belly, “I am pleased our son will have royal blood.”

“You wish for a boy?”

“I feel it may be a boy. I want it to be. I want him to look just like you.”

“I’ll see you when I can.”

She watched as he left.

*****

The storm was treacherous. He knew Abigale had to be correct. No one in their right mind would venture out in that weather. He could have stayed nestled in the narrow bed with her. However, he was soon to be married. He had things to get used to. He sighed as he walked toward his chamber but saw that the door to his brother’s room was cracked.

His feet carried him to the door, the door opened wider, and his body slipped inside. He shut the door. It was quiet. He saw the lantern by Liam’s desk. There was some paper, a jar of ink, and a quill.

Oswald made his way to the desk. He saw the writings of his brother. He lifted one piece of paper and read... "her lips will be soft as pillows, and her eyes will shine. Her hair will smell like the freshest of rose petals on a beautiful spring day. Our hearts will forever be entwined until the end of time. So, I save myself for you until the day you are mine."

“What are you doing?” Liam questioned as he walked over to his brother.

Oswald turned, “I was just--“

Liam snatched the paper from his hand. He also gathered his other writings. He shoved them all into a drawer, “These are personal.”

Oswald flashed his smile, “Well, we are brothers.”

“You need not know everything, Oswald.”

“Relax, Liam. I was only enjoying your work. You are quite a fine writer. I had no idea that’s what you spent your time doing all cooped up in this room. I had hoped that I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed partaking in social liberties.”

Liam scoffed. “You do enough of that for the both of us. And as I can see...you are still seeing Abigale.”

“It’s fine. I have it all under control.”

Liam smirked.

“But...my concern is mainly of you.”

Liam made a face, “Of me?”

“Yes. Are you still...”

“Oswald, shouldn’t you get some rest,” he said as he started moving Oswald toward the door.

Oswald planted his feet firmly just before they got to the door, “I am asking seriously. Not as a joke. Come on.”

Liam sighed, “If you must know. No. I have not.”

“What about you and the girl in Wales?”

“Are you speaking of the girl with furry eyebrows that connected above her nose?”

Oswald chuckled, “I mean, she was shapely. I’ve never seen a woman with such enormous breasts. They were lovely.”

Liam scoffed, “Then why didn’t you bed her?”

“Well, I was busy with her much prettier less hairy older sister. But all jokes aside, you really should before you’re married.”

“I may never marry.”

“You will marry, brother. There is no way around it. And you know it.”

Liam rolled his eyes.

“The first time can be tricky but...I find that If you get yourself a much older woman...she will teach you all that you need to know about pleasing a woman. It’s the most delectable experience...rather than fumbling around hoping for the best.” He placed his hand on Liam’s shoulder, “All this talk...seems I’m in the mood again. I’m going to go see if Abigale is still in our hiding place.”

Liam closed his door after Oswald left. He walked back to his bed and sat. You will know her when you see her. Time will seem to stand still. Your heart will race...he remembered some strange woman saying to him that night when he was in Wales with his brother on official business for the King.

Liam didn’t like to indulge in such things. He was into his religious teachings. The words of seers, fortune tellers, and such seemed like blasphemy. But there he was night after night writing poems and love letters to this woman he had yet to meet.

He felt her in his heart.