Ego Ambilare Viam Deorum
"My decision is final." Emem's voice quitely resounded. He put in a bit of ki into it and made it loud enough for everyone to hear. He glanced lightly at his sister, Ada, then turned and walked away.
"Well I don't care what your decision is," Ada retorted. "It will not bring my son back to health!"
Emem glared at his sister. "Well he would not be in this position if he had kept his damned dick to himself! As a woman and a mother, you should feel at least a modicum of shame for his actions. You clearly did not raise the boy well and as usual, rather than discipline him, you choose to ignore his sins and pass the blame." He stepped closer to Ada with furious eyes.
"In fact, it can be said that Ejiro being on that bed, is your fault. You never let anyone reprimand him nor do it yourself. You let the boy run wild and now his sins have caught up to him and you still wish to smother it?! Do you have any idea what he put that girl through?!" He grabbed her fiercely by the arm. His eyes had turned red from anger and the entire arena was quietly watching the siblings squabble.
Ada was shocked, scared and furious! Not only was Emem not hearkening to her, he even dared to lay his hands on her. She turned her gaze to her husband expecting him to do something. Obasi looked away. Even he had had enough of his wife and son. Plus, he had truly cared for Sa'na. To find out her plight under his son was a disgrace to himself and his family.
Ada's eyes burned with tears of shame and anger. She whipped her head back to face her equally furious older brother.
"So publicly shaming me will make all this go away?" she spat with a sneer. Ejiro retracted his hand as his eyes suddenly filled with sorrow.
"If only," he said lowly. "If only." He stepped away from his sister and turned back to face the still standing convict.
"Sa'na Mai-idin, you have been given your sentence. I advise you not to linger. You are no longer welcome here."
Sa'na chuckled. "Okay then. It's not like I was welcome here before anyways." The nobles in the arena sucked in their breaths in anger. The girl obvious did not put them in her eyes.
"What are you still saying?" a noble shouted angrily. "You assault your master and destroy out city and you still dare speak insolently? Already your sentence is light! By all rights, you should be beheaded!"
Sa'na bursted into laughter. This was just too funny. The noble who had spoken was even more furious.
"What is so funny?!" he demanded.
"You!" Sa'na said wiping her eyes. "All of you!" She looked straight at the noble. "Lord Abidemi Imuetiyan Onojie, your pride is bruised I'm sure." The ridicule in her voice could not be missed even if one was deaf. "I was abused physically, mentally and sexually. I have been racially ostracised and discriminated against. I have had my life damaged beyond repair and now, I have a bastard growing in me." She laughed again. "And still you take the condescending ground eh?" She wiped her eyes and held her belly as she laughed. "Shey you normal at all? Abi sometin dey knock you for head ni?"
Lord Abidemi's head was full! He was badly incensed. This little ant was going to far! He opened his mouth to speak but was cut of by his Kaavi.
"Enough!" Ejiro bellowed. "Sa'na, please leave my city. And my lord, please comport yourself."
Abidemi swallowed his anger and huffed. "Apologies."
Ejiro sighed. "Alright that will be all everyone. Guards escort Sa'na out of the city. Good day everyone."
*****
Sa'na made her way to the city gates ready to leave. All she had was the clothes on her back and a baby in her womb, but she didn't care. It was pretty obvious that sending her out of the city was same as killing her. Either way, she was going to die, so she might as well die free.
"Wait!" a voice anxiously called. The guards on either side of her paused as the trio turned to face the person. A young girl barely past her early teens, rushed forward with a medium sized rucksack.
"Wetin?" one of the guards asked irritatedly.
"It's say make I give the geh sometin," she replied timidly. The first guard opened his mouth to retort something, but the other one withheld him.
"No wahala," guard two said. "Do am shap shap."
The girl nodded and proceeded to approach Sa'na. She took off the bag from her bag and gave it to Sa'na without wasting time.
"Oga say make I give you," she said looking straight at Sa'na. Sa'na accepted the bag while her eyes never left the girl. She knew the little girl. She also one of Ejiro's victims in the Kwame household as well as one of Lady Kwame's maids.
"Thank you," Sa'na said. At the same time, another person in servant clothes came forward.
"Thank the gods say I see you!" he exclaimed. "Oga talk say make I give you something," he said while panting and proceeded to bring out an a small pouch from the folds of his garment.
"Take," he said thrusting the small package to Sa'na.
Sa'na was speechless. This was the first time she had received so many gifts. Normally, people just looked the other way when it concerned her.
"Thank you," she said again as she received the package. She may be surprised by the sudden goodwill, and she might be resigned to dying in the desert, but still, if there was a chance at survival, she would take it. She was not a fool. These gifts just might save her life out there after all.
"Oya, oya! E don do!" guard one said snappishly. "May we dey go." And he pushed Sa'na forward lightly.
"No wait!" the girl shouted again. Guard two groaned.
"What na?!"
"Oga also talk say make I follow am go."
The guards eyes widened. Why would anyone want to send such a young girl out into that cruel desert? But then, if they can send a pregnant woman out there, then they could send a child too.
The guards merely nodded after some thoughts and continued. Sa'na didn't turn back while the girl spoke to the guards this time.
She's just kept moving onwards.
******
"So what are we going to do?" an older man dressed in gold and silver armour said wearily. Thus was the question the whole nobility was asking. The king's face was gaunt and lifeless.
Godbeasts. They had returned.
King Philius Onuoha sat slumped on his throne with a worried and weary look on his face. Sharon looked at her father and felt some pity for him. But when she thought to how he had allowed his nobles to ignore the warning of the oracles, her sympathy lessened a lot. She glared at the noble who spoke.
Isnt that obvious? she snapped at the man. By the gods, but her patience was wearing thin with these men. Everyone looked at her with annoyance. She had not spoken throughout their meeting for the past hour and a half. But, true to her nature, the moment she opens her mouth, its to ridicule them.
Sharon, the king called wearily. I know you see us as dumb, old men, but if you cannot show a modicum of respect for us, and offer actual, meaningful help, then theres no point to your presence here.
Sharon bit her lip and sighed in exasperation. With an eye roll, she said, You all already know what I think.
Your plan will involve us sending our men to their deaths! another old noble exclaimed. We have no idea where and how powerful our enemy is or why they are here in the first place. Then, let us not forget Iriduin and Salminia. We have no idea if they know or are already doing something about this.
The young princess felt her anger spike. And you dare call me selfish? she fumed. Do you hear the garbage from your own mouth, my lord? You would have us wait till Iriduin and Salminia engage the enemy first? Is that it?
The tension in the room rose as the princess and the old noble stared off.
This is an enemy that all mortal kind have to be on guard against, together, she spat. And here you stand and still speak of further dissension. It is fools like you, who only care about the comforts of themselves and not even of the continuation of their lineages, that conspired to destroy the Ecclessians! she roared the last part. Ever since she was little, the story of how that race of beings were wiped out had always irked her, because deep down she could always sense that the races of mortal kind would pay for that betrayal.
A vein visibly popped in the old nobles head. All around the room, everyone was feeling apprehensive. They all felt wronged by the princesss obvious lack of regard for them. But the king didnt say anything. Besides, everyone of them knew that the princess, though rude and highly unorthodox in her ways, was rarely wrong.
But still
They looked to the king, Philius, to caution his daughter. Now was not the time for his daughter to show her contempt for the politics of the world and her contempt for her ancestors. The king was no idiot and noticed the looks thrown his way.
Sharon, he said sternly. Once again, I am telling you. If you have nothing useful to impart to this gathering, leave, he finished with a glare. He didnt need her antagonizing his nobles. Sometimes, it seemed the blasted girl didnt realize just whose taxes paid for her random trips all over the place. Sharron sighed.
Forgive me my lord, king father. I have dishonoured you. Sharon bowed.
Philius sighed. You are forgiven. Rise. Sharon raised her head. She turned to the two old men she had, more or less, insulted and bowed slightly to them.
Forgive me my lords Jannus Marvan and Alicius Drimm. This princess spoke of things she knew not. I have shamed myself before you and by royal father and this kingdom as well as besmirched your honour. I plead for forgiveness.
The two lords glanced at each other with weary glances. The princess was never one to plead or make nice after ridiculing others. The only man she had ever shown any for of respect for, was her father. This was new. Only when she had come to a decision that would affect the general course of action, would she make a big gesture like this. They looked back to the king. Philius was just as confused as they were. In fact, the entire court was confused and wary of what the damned girl would do next. It would not be the first time she had thrown them into a quagmire. Even if, she seemed to always know exactly what she was doing and always got them out of whatever problem she seemed to have gotten them in.
Philius nodded at the men, curious to know what Sharon had planned now.
All is forgiven my princess, both men replied uneasily.
My thanks my lords, Sharon replied and raised her head. She turned to face her father and the court held its breath.
Philius stared into his daughters determined gaze. A chill settled in his spine as he stared into those azure pools. If anything, he had never been more scared of her than now.
A light voice spoke up quietly in the ensuing silence, I advice you, dear daughter, think carefully of what you are about to say next.
The court shifted its attention to the grand doors leading into the throne room. There, the Queen stood, dressed in gold satin. On her head was a crown of silver and diamonds. Pearl drop diamonds dropped from her ears and her neck had a single silver chain with three diamond pendants.
Sharon rolled her eyes. Ive already made up my mind Ma. Aint changing it now.
Mind your language girl, Queen Kenya scolded with a scowl. She proceeded into the hall, head held high, as she made her way to her throne. My King, she hailed with a slight bow of her head.
My love, the king greeted in return. Kenya smiled. He never called her anything but his love, privately or publicly. It was either her name or my love. In the beginning, it had made her uncomfortable, especially as she had not really loved him in the beginning of their marriage. But, he had loved her from the start , love at first sight hed said, and was more than ecstatic with their union. After two years, she had set aside her resentment at being forced to marry someone she did not know or love. When shed had Sharon, the look on his face as he held their new born baby made her heart swell.
She had known then, that she loved him. And life had been good ever since.
Except for the child they had together. She was the definition of rebellious, constantly throwing them and the court and thus, the whole kingdom, into loops of worry and confusion. Sharon was a beautiful girl and a wonderful person, but her stubbornness was definitely worse than both her parents, who were both known for their being headstrong to a fault.
Kenya sat on her throne beside Philius. The king grabbed hold of her hand on the conjoined arm rest and raised it to his lips. Kenyas heart throbbed in her chest from the show of affection. She could feel his worry through the kiss.
Chill babe, she whispered only for him to hear. Philius kissed her hand again and sighed. He returned his attention to his daughter who was watching the whole proceedings with a bored expression. She loved her Ma and Pa, but sometimes.
Sharon, what else do you have to say? he asked.
Sharons gaze steeled and she cleared her throat. I have decided to pursue The Grand Dao, she said resolutely.
Philius stared at his daughter hard. His anger could be felt as the wind picked up in the room. He was a Heavenly King after all. And a Level Three one at that. For a man of less than ninety to be at such a rank, he could be said to be a peerless genius. Kenya was also a cultivation genius herself, with a rank of Level One Heavenly King. Sharon, as their firstborn, was not far behind in talent. In fact, at a rank of Mortal Emperor---the intermediary level between Earth Realm and Heaven Realm---at the tender age of twenty-nine, she could be said to have surpassed them.
Kenya squeezed Philius hand that was holding hers, trying to calm him down. She sent a sound transmission into his mind. ~Calm down baby~.
Philius grit his teeth as he visible tried to control his rising anger. But his fury still showed as he spoke. What the fuck are you talking about?! he said furiously. His countenance seemed calm enough, but his voice boomed with power. So much so that, the windows shook. The nobles in the throne room and servants around the throne room and castle shivered in fear.
The Princess cowered slightly before her fathers wrath, but she didnt back down. Kenya got up from her seat and walked to stand behind her husband and hugged him slightly. She placed a kiss on his temple then straightened herself, leaving her hands on his shoulders. She glanced around at the nervous room.
I think thats enough for one day milords, she said. The lords looked at her in mild confusion and then Kenya raised an eyebrow. Somehow, that jolted the men and few women among them and without further prompting, they hurried out of the room.
At last, when the room was bare of people save for the King, Queen and Princess and a few hand servants and the guards, Kenya said, Leave us and shut the doors. The servants hurried to obey. One by one, as was custom, they made their way to the front of the throne and bowed before leaving. Finally the doors shut with a muffled thud and it was just the Royal Family left in the room.
All along, Philius had not taken his eyes off his daughter. The two stared at each other, both with hard eyes. Kenya sighed as she made her way wearily back to her throne.
Explain yourself Sharon, she said after a few moments. Sharon rolled her eyes again simply because she knew it annoyed her mother when she did that.
Whats there to explain Ma? she asked her mother. Kenya raised an eyebrow at the girl.
Oh no lil missy. You know what I mean, she said. So I suggest you get to it. Your ass ain't too big to still get a whopping now.
Sharon stared at her mother in disbelief. How old did the woman still see her as? She was twenty-nine years old for fuckssake. The two women stared each other down until the king spoke again.
You better listen to your Ma kid. Philius had by no means calmed down much from earlier. Sharon huffed in annoyance.
Well, we three know what it means for godbeasts to return right? she asked. I mean, both o yall lived through the last major battle with those fuckers. So yall know how important it is that those shits are back. And if we being real here, none of those lil pussies out there are ready to handle shit of this magnitude. I just figured somebody needs to get schooled enough to handle this shit. Like, lets face it, both o you aint exactly swinging it no more. And Jeshuran and Mihaila still too young to handle this kinda shit.
Shes got a point, the King and Queen could not help but think as they listened.
Plus, none of those motherfuckers gonna send themselves or their kids to certain death. And for people, always calling me selfish, Im really beginning to question the quality of milk their mamas gave em.
Despite himself, Philius burst out into laughter. Kenya fought back a chuckle of her own.
What you say is true Philius muttered after he had calmed down. But what about--
Sharon cut him off. You raised me. I think I turned out as fine as could be. Kenya scoffed.
You could do with a couple more whoopings if I may say so.
Sharon looked aggrieved. No you may not Ma! she huffed and pouted slightly, offended. Philius chuckled. Anyways, Sharon continued. You still have Jeshie and Mihls. They growing up good. And they better than me anyways. I mean, I was planning to hand down the throne to one of em anyways once they was grown up and shit. So, alls good.
Like hell it is!
Kenya scowled. As the Crown Princess, your place is here. Beside your father and I as the kingdom faces this Kenya sought for easier words.
Crisis? Sharon finished for her. I think thats the word youre looking for Ma.
Kenya frowned. I wouldnt say crisis, she denied. But it is true that circumstances are indeed dire.
Sharon rolled her eyes. Oh puhleeez, she sassed. Dire is putting this whole shit mildly and yall know it. So, she folded her arms and turned serious once again. Im leaving. I know thats not how you planned shit, but, she shrugged. Shit happens ya know? And as the Princess, I cant sit back and watch those vile beasts destroy what my ancestors built. Sharons voice rang out with resolution shocking her parents.
I would just like your blessing, she added. Tears gathered in Philius eyes. His little girl was all grown up. He could feel Kenya shake beside him, and knew she was thinking the same thing he was. Their little bird was leaving the nest. Not how they planned for her to, but, leaving the nest she was.
Sure youre not just trying to escape a marriage alliance to Prince Dale Baelfrost? Kenya chided softly with a smirk.
Oh yes, Sharon assented cheekinly. That too. Most definitely dont want to end up with that stuck up piece of--
Langauge! Kenya scolded.
Sorry. So whats it gonna be? Sharon asked. Either way, Im going. She looked expectantly at her parents. Her heart felt really heavy. She looked at them and observed them closely. Their smooth, young skin, due to their ridiculously high level of cultivation allowing them to still look like they were in their early twenties; their hands joined together, a symbol of how they lived their lives, together in everything. Their eyes which had sometimes scolded her and sometimes laughed at or with her, but at the same time, always told her she was loved.
By the gods I will miss them
Philius sighed softly, his eyes heavy with sadness.
"You have our blessing."
********
A/N: All speeches not taking place in Iriduin or amongst Iridians, is in the native language of the area from which the characters speaking, are from, or the/a general language they all speak. Or if they are in a foreign area. I would also like to note here, that, all countries on the main continent, generally speak one language and their native languages are rarely used, and hence, they all can understand one another to a fair extent. As such, native languages are usually only used when thereis a need to conceal information from a third party.
*******