Yande The Witch

Ife, Northwest Africa

The boat rocked as the waves crashed into it. The sky was changing. The light was slowly disappearing. They had been sailing for days from Portugal to the Northwestern Coast of Africa. There was a small crew; Joaquin was the leader. His eyes were a soft green with flecks of brown. His jawline was strong; he had a dazzling smile. He saw the shore ahead, “Meu amor, estamos aqui,” he shouted as he pointed.

She looked at the port ahead. She was home. It had been years since she stepped foot on those beaches. Years since she walked those paths and saw her family. Her mahogany skin glowed. She was still the beauty that he had met all those years ago. She nudged her children, “Ji, a wa nibi,” she said to them in her native tongue of Yoruba, “wake up, we are here.”

She and her children were multi-lingual. They had been to many places with Joaquin, who took the time to teach them the languages he spoke.

Her heart pounded in her chest. He kissed her lips and then looked into her eyes, “No matter what, we will always have each other,” he promised.

She nodded. It was such a bittersweet moment. Yet she was ready to confront what she had avoided for years.

Yande’s eyes dazzled in the fading sunlight. She had the same sparkling green eyes as her father. She was gorgeous much like her mother. She hugged her little brother, “Look, Samba, we are here. We are home.”

“This is not my home. I was born in Portugal,” he said proudly in Portuguese.

She nudged him, “It doesn’t matter. This is where our mother was born. And if our father had never visited this land, you would not have been born in Portugal. Be happy for this place.” Her heart smiled. She had not been there since she was a baby. However, she saw her mother’s home every night in her dreams. She always knew she’d return there. She spoke to her iya -iya agba obinrin (great grandmother) Abosede.

She never saw her face. She would hear her voice. Her great-grandmother was a powerful witch in her time, and as an ancestor, she offered her great-granddaughter protection and guidance.

The boat approached the docking area. Men were waiting to help them secure the boat. A local man with hands rough as sandpaper reached out to grab Aminata’s hand, “Kaabo,” he said to her, which meant “welcome.”

Her heart smiled. They continued to disembark. Once they had all their possessions, they walked a little way and were greeted by a couple. The man stood six feet wall. His skin was dark as the night sky; his eyes were as brown as leaves during fall. “Joaquin and Aminata, we are so happy to see you,” he said with a heavy accent.

Joaquin gave him a brotherly hug, “Kalu,” he said as they embraced, “it’s been a long time, my friend.”

“It has,” he agreed before he hugged Aminata. He stepped back, “You remember my wife, Adefolake.”

“Of course, I remember,” said Aminata with a huge smile, “Hello, my sister.”

“Welcome back to Ife, eh? Look at you. You look even younger than you did before you left,” she said happily. They were not blood sisters, but they were close. They both shared similar gifts. Gifts that people knew of but not many spoke about openly.

“My, look at the children. Yande was just a baby when you left. And look at her now. She is a beautiful woman.”

Yande smiled at the compliment, “Thank you, Uncle Kalu.”

“You are most welcome. Come, let us go to the house where we have been preparing food for your arrival.”

They planned to spend the night at Kalu and Adefolake’s before continuing to the village where her family lived in Ife.

*****

Kalu did well for himself. He owned several ships and was in charge of the port not far from where he resided. He owned a large plot of land surrounded by greenery. His son, Oluwa was outside talking to several of his friends when they were approaching the house.

Oluwa saw his parents coming with the guests. So did his friends. One asked, “Are those your friends?”

He sucked his teeth, “They are my parents’ friends.”

“Who is the girl?” Akin asked.

He huffed, “It’s time for you two to leave.”

“Why should we leave? Your mother has cooked an amazing feast. And everyone around here knows your mother cooks the best food. I have to stay to see if she invites me to eat,” Akin said as he stood firmly.

Enitan nodded, “I wish to stay. My mother always cooks the same food. Here there is always something good.”

Oluwa sighed and rolled his eyes. The people were already standing before him, “You remember Oluwa, our son. He was born a few months after Yande,” said Kalu with a huge smile.

Joaquin shook his hand, “Yes, but it has been years. He has grown into a fine young man.”

“These are Joaquin and Aminata’s children, Yande and Samba.”

He shook their hands and mumbled a greeting. Yande felt the awkward gaze of his friends. She saw them hit his arm several times, “These are my friends, Akin and Enitan.”

“Where is your little sister?” his mother asked.

“Inside. I think.”

“You think?”

“She’s inside.”

She huffed before looking at Enitan and Akin, “Are you two staying to eat?” she asked.

They nodded rapidly. Their feet carried them swiftly into the house before Oluwa could enter. She chuckled as they followed their guests inside.

*****

The room was alive with rich flavors and the smell of spices and herbs. Adefolake was a great cook. The rice had a red tint. It was fluffy and flavorful. There was roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tea she made from the herbs she grew.

Everyone sat around the table, including members of Joaquin's crew. They were like his family. Kalu’s daughter, Sade was a year younger than Oluwa and Yande. She was short in stature and full-figured. Her hair was braided in front. The back was fluffed out in an afro.

She gazed at Samba. He was a handsome young man like his father. His eyes weren’t as green as his father’s or his sister’s, but they were a soft brown. His skin was deep caramel. His hair was long and wavy, pulled back into a ponytail.

As they ate, Akin continued to caress Yande with his eyes. He had not seen a woman with her features. Her skin was so fair, her eyes the color of blades of grass, and her hair flowed down her back in long curls with two braids in the front.

“I was so sad to hear about your father, Aminta,” said Kalu as he held his drink cup.

She nodded, “Thank you, Kalu. Thanks for everything. You and Adefolake have been so good to Joaquin and me. We appreciate everything that you’ve done.”

“It’s no problem. You and Joaquin are family. Maybe your daughter and our son will make us grandparents.”

Simultaneously, both Yande and Oluwa spat out their drinks. “Father, don’t—”

“Oluwa, you are a young man now. Soon you will need a wife. Yande is a beautiful woman. Look at her.”

Yande hated the idea of being matched with anyone. Even if Oluwa was cute and had nice muscles, she refused to be matched. Her blood started to boil; when that happened, things would move. The house began to rumble.

Everyone’s eyes widened, “My, what is that?” one of the crew members asked in Portuguese.

Her mother eyed her, “Yande.”

She took several breaths and calmed herself, counting to herself in Yoruba. The house stopped shaking.

Kalu looked at his wife. She made a face at him, “Yande doesn’t live in Ife. They came here to check on Aminata’s father. We should all bring an offering to water tomorrow before visiting him.”

“That’s a great idea,” said Yande excitedly. She usually had to hide her practice in Portugal. Such things were viewed as witchcraft. And even though she was what she was...she didn’t like the idea of being burned alive.

Joaquin nodded in agreement. It wasn’t his practice, but he didn’t stop his wife or children from exploring what they believed. He took a deep breath, “Yande plans to be my apprentice. She loves to travel. She loves the excitement.”

Kalu's eyes widened, “So she won’t ever marry? What kind of life will she have sailing from place to place? She’s too beautiful not to be married.”

Joaquin shrugged, “Perhaps one day she will change her mind.”

Samba nudged her and chuckled. Through narrow slits, she eyed him until he stopped laughing.

After dinner, the kids headed outside, but Aminata stopped Yande. She whispered, “You must control yourself. You do not want to hurt yourself or anyone else.”

She nodded, “Yes. I understand.”

Her mother touched her face. She admired her daughter. She saw the strength in her. Strength that no one thought a child born from a pale face could have. Yande’s birth was considered a curse by a secret society of Warrior Witches her mother once belonged to. She kissed the top of her forehead, “Play nice, or I will marry you off and not to a handsome young man like Oluwa. To some old man with rough hands that scratch your booty every time you have sex,” she joked.

Yande chuckled before heading outdoors.

********

With the kids outside, Aminata and Adefoloke had a chance to catch up. Years ago, they served in the sacred secret society of Warrior Witches. A group of women who fought alongside the men for the King of Ife.

They reminisced on the battles they fought. The times they nearly lost their lives. And the moment when Kalu and Adefolake had to shelter Aminata when she was pregnant because the leader of their group wanted to kill the child that grew in Aminata’s belly.

“What have you heard of Nneka?” Aminata asked with concern. She was the one who convinced the others to hunt Aminata and Joaquin down. Joaquin almost lost his life defending Aminata. Kalu was there to help them escape.

“Some say she left and went east, taking most of the women with her. The King has been looking to reestablish his Warrior Witches, but not enough of them remained. Unless—”

“Oh no,” Aminata said with a chuckle.

“Why not? I’m sure you have been teaching Yande how to fight if she is anything like you, she would be a fierce warrior.”

She nodded, “I have taught both Yande and Samba many fighting skills; so has their father. I can only hope there will never be a time when they have to use those skills. I have grown tired of fighting. Now, I want peace.”

Adefolake kissed her teeth, “Don’t we all hope for peace but—”

“Yes, I know. Peace doesn’t last forever. Still, I have no plans to return to Ife to live. My life is with my husband.”

She touched her hand and smiled, “I understand.”

*****

Kingdom of Mercia

Several nights passed, and Princess Winfred made good on her promise. There she was in Arledge’s bed again. She savored all of his might deep within her. Her hips moved methodically, “Oh God, yes,” she moaned repeatedly. Her eyes rolled back. Arledge gasped as his balls emptied; he filled her center with gooey goodness.

She leaned over and showered his face with kisses, “If only I weren’t a princess. I could marry for love,” she uttered as she rolled off his cock.

He turned to her, “We could run away.”

She laughed, “My father would hunt you down and cut off your balls. I don’t want that for you. You can still find love.”

“I will never love a woman like how I love you.”

She smiled, “Then we shall carry our love for each other within our hearts until we die.”

He smiled, “We shall.”

She rose. Her feet touched the wooden floor. He watched as she dressed herself. It was time for her to sneak back into the castle undetected. He had another week to enjoy his love before she her marriage to the Prince.

He stood. His body was toned. He touched her face, “Until tomorrow night, my love.” Their lips touched for several seconds, and then she was gone. He took a deep breath. Things were magnificent, at least for a little while longer. Not many men could say that they had the love of a princess.

He smiled. His heart danced in his chest. Then he heard the door creak open, “My love,” he said as he turned and froze, “Lady Darleen, what?”

Her eyes were glued to his naked body. She saw his softened cock as it dangled. She stopped. They were face-to-face. “I’ve watched night after night as you have taken advantage of my poor cousin.”

He shook his head, “I’ve done no such thing. We’re in love.”

She scoffed and turned away from him. Her eyes rested on the bed, “We shared that bed once.”

He scoffed, “That was a long time ago, and if I can remember correctly, you said that I wasn’t good enough for you.”

“You aren’t. You are my uncle’s servant. You and I could never be. Just as you and Winfred can never be. Why are you doing this?”

His face turned red, “Why are you here?” he asked angrily.

She touched his bare chest. He grabbed her hand, “No.”

“You would dare deny me?” she asked as she removed her clothes, “you must give me what I want or I’ll make sure the Princess never returns to this little room ever again.”

He gulped. Her hand massaged his rod until it eventually grew. He hated to cheat on Winfred but he knew where his heart belonged. She pushed him onto the bed and sat on his lap. Her body went up and down wildly almost violently. Her right hand held his face. She made him look into her eyes as she took his cock.

Her body shook and quivered. She smiled as she lifted her dripping cunt off his love rod. “Thank you, Arledge.”

He watched as she walked out of his room. He grunted in frustration and fell back onto the bed.

*****

A week and she would be married. In the meantime, she could bask in the joy of her love. His smile was everything as he helped her ride the horse. She smiled and enjoyed his company. Queen Godgifu had walked out. It was almost time for her lesson. She watched them. She knew they liked each other, but it was unfortunate. She had loved a man before she was married to King Charles.

Lady Darleen stepped behind her, “My Queen,” she addressed her.

She turned, “Darleen, are you taking the lesson today?”

She shook her head, “I think it’s time we hired a new trainer. Someone older perhaps. More responsible.”

Queen Godgifu eyed her with concern, “Why do you say that?”

“I just think maybe he’s getting too close to Winfred. Look at them.”

She shook her head, “I can see that they are in love, but Winfred knows what she has to do.”

Darleen scoffed, “She could already be carrying his child.”

Her eyes popped, “Winfred would never—”

“Yes. She would. I’ve seen her leave the castle every night for days, if you follow her tonight, you will catch them in the act.”

Queen Godgifu’s neck was hot. As much as she adored Arledge, she could not believe he would be so stupid as to defile her stepdaughter one week before the wedding. It could ruin everything.

“Are you still going to help me win over Prince Liam?” she asked firmly.

“Yes. Now, run along and let me take care of whatever this is.”

Darleen was content with her response. So she left.

*****

North Umbria

Tormented. That was the mood. He could hardly concentrate on training with his brother or Aethelbald. Liam’s sword was at his neck, “For God’s sake Oswald are you trying to lose your head?” he asked.

Aethelbald walked up and patted Oswald's shoulder, “Maybe we should rest a bit. The Prince has a lot on his mind. He’ll be married soon.”

Oswald nodded, “Yes, I will be. “ But that wasn’t all he had to worry about. He had received several messages that Abigail needed to see him. He knew he couldn’t wait any longer.

As Aethelbald walked over to the table for a drink of water, Oswald pulled Liam to the side, “I have to ride out to see Abigail.”

Liam made a face. Oswald sighed, “Look, brother, I must go and see her. I’m afraid if I don’t, she’ll show up here at the castle and make a mess of things.”

Liam sighed, “I suppose you are right. But need I remind--"

“You don’t have to remind me,” he said as he gave Liam a slight punch to the shoulder, “I would like for you to ride with me. Father won’t ask so many questions if we ride together.”

Liam nodded.

After training, the princes mounted their horses; They rode to the farm where Abigail lived. When they arrived, Abigail was outside feeding the pigs and the chicken in a pen. She dropped everything when she realized it was her love.

She ran over to greet Oswald as he left his horse. She planted a plethora of kisses on his face. She turned to Liam with a curtsey, “I’m happy to see you both.”

Oswald reached for her hand, “Let’s go inside for a moment. We have to talk.”

She smiled. Her insides were putty when it came to Prince Oswald. She practically dragged him into her home. Her face was beaming, “It’s been more than a few days, but still...I’m happy to see you.” She kissed his mouth sweetly.

He sighed, “I wasn’t sure if you had heard—”

“You’re marrying the princess from Mercia. Yes, it’s all anyone can speak of.” Her eyes watered, “It doesn’t matter,” she said as she touched her belly, “I am carrying your child. Your first heir.”

He was frozen, “You’re—”

“With child. Your child Oswald. A baby formed out of our love. Nothing compares to that.”

He smiled and touched her belly, “I swear, I do love you.”

“After I give birth to our child, I wish to work at the castle. Hire me as your wife’s wet nurse. We can be together. I will not tell a soul about our son or daughter. I only want you to be able to see your child as they grow up.”

He gulped. So many thoughts ran through his mind. Could this work? What would Liam say? He wondered. He touched her face and smiled.

After Oswald and Abigail satisfied themselves, he left. Liam was already on top of his horse, “Did you take care of things?” Liam asked.

Oswald smiled, “Of course I did brother,” he hopped on his horse and they rode off.

******

Ife, Northwest Africa

The journey to visit Aminata’s family in Ife would take time on foot. They had a couple of horses and a carriage that carried their belongings. Walking through the woods, Yande spotted a river, “Look there, iya, we can make an offering by the river to Osun.”

“Yes,” she replied. She informed her husband and the rest of the traveling party that they were about to rest there for a while.

The the ship’s crew rested, drank water, and ate. Yande and her family and Oluwa and his family went to the river’s edge. Yande wore a yellow skirt with a white half-top that housed her full breasts. It was hard for Joaquin to see his daughter with the features of a woman. He saw the way Oluwa’s eyes danced across her skin.

Her beautiful hair was pulled up into a high bun. She wore a colorful head wrap. Her face was painted with traditional Yoruba markings for a young woman coming of age. Around her waist were yellow beads.

She stood by the river next to her mother and Adefolake. Three witches. Her mother and Adefolake sang as Yande prayed and placed the offerings of honey, yellow flowers, and shells in the water.

Her father stood back with the men watching. Joaquin found his wife’s spiritual practices intriguing. He was a traveler. A person who loved to immerse himself in many cultures. His daughter was now a young woman doing what he found his wife doing when he first walked that path and was captivated by her.

His wife told him that Yande was a powerful witch. More powerful than the great mother of the Warrior Witches. Yande was never baptized as a Christian, but she appreciated the Christian teachings. She found them interesting; however, she loved her Yoruba practice. Osun had her head. This was her Orisha. The one that she built an altar to and would invoke her energy. By the water is where Yande often found peace.

After they prayed. They sat in silence. The ritual was over. They went back to the campsite where the ship’s crew waited patiently. They planned to visit for a few days with Aminata’s family and return to the docks for their boat, and head to East Anglia to visit some of Joaquin’s friends.

*****

Scandinavia

The warriors were at the docks preparing for the journey ahead. One of the best was Sven. He stood just as tall as Jarl Sigurd. His head was slick. His beard dangled down to his chest in two braids. Jarl Sigurd approached the ship that Sven was loading along with several men, “næstum tilbúið?” asked Jarl Sigurd, which meant, “Almost done?”

“Yes, Jarl Sigurd. We can leave right now if we have to.”

He nodded and patted his shoulder, “In the morning should be just fine. Spend some time with your family. Who knows if we shall return.”

Sven nodded. This was true. They had lost several warriors in prior battles over land and some in petty quarrels. Those men and women feasted in the Halls of Valhalla. It was considered an honor to be welcomed into the halls, but they were not in a rush to get there, at least not before accomplishing many things.

Jarl Sigurd headed back to his hall. The only family he had was a sister Ida. She was a formidable shield maiden; she could lock horns with the best of men. He saw her as he walked toward the door, “Sister,” he said as they embraced.

Her long brown hair was braided back, “I wish to accompany you to Kattegat.”

“But,” he paused, “I’ll need you to run things here while I’m away.”

“You want me to sit here and babysit while you have all the fun?”

“I don’t know that sailing across the open waters into lands where I may meet certain **** is considered fun.”

Her head tilted; he laughed, “I wish you could come. But if I perish, you are next in line for all that we’ve built. I have no children.”

“Well, just make one of your slaves your wife, plant a baby in her belly, and problem solved.”

He chuckled, “I don’t see you rushing to have anyone’s child.” She looked over his shoulder and saw Sven. He was sexy in every way, but he already had a woman.

“You’re right. I should work on that.”

They continued into the great hall, where he was greeted by Yana and the other women who served them.

By evening, the hall was filled with warriors and their loved ones. Jarl Sigurd stood and addressed everyone, “In the morning, we sail out to join forces with Jarl Erick and his men. In my absence, I’ll leave my more than capable sister in charge; Ida will take care of everything while I am away.”

Sven was sitting next to his wife at one of the tables. His eyes met Ida’s. She gave a soft smile before looking away. The hall erupted with singing, dancing, and cheering as the men and women drank and ate to their heart’s content.

Ida stood. She began to walk. Sven’s eyes followed her. When he saw her leave, he excused himself and hurried out of the hall in the direction she went. He found her in her home. She never turned around; she knew he would follow her, “Sven.”

He walked up behind her and lifted her dress. He pressed his way inside, “Ahhhh,” she grunted loudly. He humped hard and fast. The room echoed with their lustful sounds. He emptied his load inside her, “We can’t keep doing this,” she said panting.

He turned her around. He touched her face, “Yes, I’m married. You know that I’ve always loved you.”

“And what good are your words when I cannot have you?”

“I am yours.”

“No, Sven, you are hers.”

“In my heart, I belong to you.”

She smiled, “Fight fiercely. I pray that the gods will protect you.”

“As I pray that the gods will keep you. Keep your heart longing for me until I return.”

*****

When the great hall had settled down and everyone had gone their way, Yana went to Jarl Sigurd’s bedroom. His long blonde hair was pulled back into a braided ponytail; the sides were shaved. “Yana, I am surprised to see you,” he said as it was customary for him to request the women he desired each night before they entered his bedroom.

She nodded, “I know you did not ask for me. Yet here I am.”

“And why have you come?”

“Because. I see you.”

His head tilted.

“I also spoke with the seer. The woman that sees you before you see her. I am that woman. You don’t see me because I am a ****. But if you freed me...we can marry. I can give you lots of children. Boys and girls.”

He nodded. He remembered his earlier conversation with his sister. After the feast in the great hall, he went to see the seer who told him that Yana would be his wife. When he spoke of love to the Seer, she told him that many people get married for different reasons and that sometimes love was that reason.

Yana was beautiful. She was older than the others. If she were to be his wife and have his babies, he would have to get moving sooner rather than later.

He extended his hand to her, “I don’t want to rush a wedding—”

“We don’t need a big party. We can do it before you leave in the morning with just us, your sister.”

He nodded, “Then that’s what we will do.” He kissed the top of her head. But she wanted much more. She traveled down pulling off his pants. This was something different. His cock was in his woman’s mouth.

His eyes rolled. He enjoyed how she tasted him. She rose to her feet again and later they were in bed. She humped him slowly. She was now a free woman. She would be married in the morning. And that night, she was hoping to have a child planted in her womb.

It was the first time his cum filled her center. A glorious smile emerged on her face. Everything she wanted was happening. She looked down into his eyes, “I will make you happy.”