I felt horrible because I could not feel happy for Makela, we remained silent for two different reasons. Makela was way beyond excited yet refrained from displaying it whilst I, refrained from displaying my rage. We could have gone rogue though Makela would have ended up detesting me. I knew she would have followed me anywhere, though, I could not muster such selfishness.
My silent rage distracted me from the beauty around me, I was profoundly lost in thought. I was going home. So why was I not satisfied, have I found a home in the thrill and rush of blade protruding through flesh? Even so, these are not the nature of a Guardian and I am sure I am not a Predator.
I was completely lost in thought that I turned around when Olanma said, "we have arrived". "Welcome to Laodicea, the seventh district of Normmengard, though it's also called Kush due to Kufu influence over the centuries", said Olanma.
At the entrance gate bore the district's name in bold letters. A single road led yonder, houses were on either side, it was difficult to tell how many houses were in each compound since the walls of each compound were so high you could only see the very top of the roofs.
What I came to find out, in most universities, a campus is typically where students dwelled. Normmengard was a university for Royalty and the Noble. Each student had a mansion. Every time we passed a couple of mansions a junction would lead to a different street. "The most beautiful District by far, if the Threshold sorts you into Laodicea then you will have a great time here", said Olanma as she patted Makela on the back.
"What's so special about this district?", I asked. Olanma kept walking, however, one could tell she was offended by the question, "most of the greats of all kind of the First World were, and are groomed here", she said in a matter of fact tone.
"Right…", said Olanma as we reached the end of the main street, facing a huge double gate with the headings in bold, HOUSE OF KUFU. Olanma placed her hand on a tablet-like object fixed on the left column of the exterior wall. Her touch caused the tablet to glow neon, some sort of scanner, I thought. The huge double gate opened wide enough to let us in. If the gate was not already annoying, it took us about eighteen minutes to walk to the front door.
The Kufu front compound hosted a garden with a lake, further or closer to the manor, a fountain adorned a rotunda. How big was Normmengard if every student had their own manor, I thought to myself.
By the time Olanma placed her first step on the stylish marble porch, the door opened revealing a girl. The girl gave Olanma a beatific smile and embraced her. "So sweet of you to come by", said the girl. She greeted the rest with a mirthful smile, cheery. "Everyone, this is Ezinma Ogandimu", beamed Olanma. These two shared a very close bond, so I thought.
"Eziyo, meet Sergeant Makela. An Apostle of the Kemet Rite", Olanma gestured at Makela. Eziyo embraced her. "And Sergeant Juda Kufu, the Apostle of the Bantu Rite", continued Olanma. I revealed my face by removing my cowl, Eziyo froze at my sight. She looked back, squinted, wiped her eyes to confirm that it was not deceiving her. She then turned behind once more to make sure and returned her gaze to me. "How is it possible…", she managed.
"What is?", asked a curious Makela. Eziyo focused her attention on Jacob's unit that accompanied us, "I'm sure you would like something to eat", she offered. "Kind as usual", said one of the Apostle. Eziyo returned her focus to me and Makela, "come and see for yourself", she finished.
We sat on comfortable couches in a huge living room area. Eziyo took our suit and weapons to get it repaired and Olanma followed her. Makela held my hand, "are you alright?", she asked with concern. I nodded. We had not spoken much, come to think of it, we had not spoken at all since Egypt. "If you want, we can forget about all this", she suggested. "No, I want your wish to come true", I said. Before she could say anything else.
I saw myself approaching us. He greeted us with a gesture, one could tell that smiling was an uncommon expression on his face. He noticed me though there was no hint of bewilderment. His presence radiated dominance. David Kufu is the personification of dominance and dominion. I could not help but feel submissive. Looking at David Kufu was looking into a mirror and seeing more.
He was my doppelgänger, talk about Horus. "Your armour suits, I have no idea of what you have done to it. Nevertheless, it will be fixed in a couple of minutes. I know Jacob is kin to tradition though he should have reconsidered before coming here", explained David. He walked to the huge curtain-less window on the left side of the entrance.
"Makela…", he started. I could not help but feel jealous, which was pathetic of me because all David had done was call her name, but still. "I do not fancy the Apostles though professor Dissengomuka made it transparent that you are gifted beyond measure, and a talent for trouble, you will blend in very well here", he said flatly, though I doubted it, he rarely displayed a smile, his words said it all.
One could tell from the way he spoke, his cadence, gesture and body language. David Kufu was running away from something that was embedded in his DNA. "Your highness, how do you know that I belong here. What if the Threshold?-" shrugged Makela. "The Threshold is a fancy term for an acalculous and bloody battle. The Threshold is an ancient device that sorts the student to a district per merits in battle. When the seven founders renamed Alkaraouine to Normmengard, they became selective of who was worthy. You are an Apostle, it will be a walk in the park", said David. "oh yes, since you will live here, just call me David", he added.
That was it! David Kufu was running away from the fact that he was royalty.
I contemplated, but sadly, my thoughts were short-lived. David approached me, "As big as this university is, it's not big enough for two Kufu and a third will only add wood to the fire", he said flatly. "I understand", I responded. I truly did. David Kufu's older brother lived under the illusion that he was the sole heir to the family. Which, also means David and his older brother do not get along. Truth be told, I had not belonged here, in Normmengard.
"You have not slept on a comfortable bed for a long while, follow me to the guest rooms", ushered Eziyo. We silently followed Eziyo past a couple of doors and entrances and finally to the hallway that led to our rooms on either side. "The left is yours", she gestured and "ladies are always right", she continued as she gestured Makela to the room on the right. As warn out as Makela appeared, she, without a word, entered her room and closed the door behind her.
"Well, goodnight from both of us", I said managing a weak smile.
Obviously, I was not going to sleep. While my body laid on standby in bed, I travelled back to the living room area. "I think you were rather harsh towards him", said Olanma. "True, though his safety is slim if he stays here. Too many Kufu in one place is not safe for anyone. At his current potential combined with mine and my brother's. That would create a hotspot for pandemonium", said David. "Can Juda Kufu be trusted?", asked Olanma as she stood up from the sofa.
"One, his a Kufu. Two, he has street knowledge. Three, the Maditau trusts him and that is good enough for me", he replied. Eziyo walked in which ended the conversation. "Anyway, we have problems of our own to solve, cheers", and with that, she and Eziyo left the living room for the main door.
David walked to the table on the far corner of the living room and poured grape juice in the golden goblet he held for another round.
He took a sip, "you know I can see you, not that I'm bothered, but it makes you quite nosy", tutted David. "How?", I asked dumbstruck by this. Instead of verbally answering my question, his golden eyes began to glow. "That is how", he finally replied. "Apart from your curiosity, I should congratulate you. Finding a priceless treasure that has been lost for over a decade", he said to me. I was in awe of all that was happening and in the midst of it all, I was conversing with David Kufu. The notoriously reclusive David Kufu.
"I want Deucalion Eisenhower dead, it is only befitting that I should end his life", I tutted. David took a sip and began to pace back and forth, "naturally", he said after another sip. "You have forgotten your commission, Apostle. Sole guardians of the Scroll who exploit violence to ensure your creed remains the same", he said as he observed my body language, daring me to contradict the inevitable truth. "You shall receive your chance for a vendetta ", he paused. I asked about his plan.
We sat on the sofa, scheming and plotting. It was my first time meeting David Kufu and as the same for him, though, at that moment I felt as if I knew him all my life. At some point, it felt as if I was talking to myself. Our thoughts were synchronized. I truly understood why Normmengard was not big enough for three Kufu, we are dangerous when against each other. Nevertheless, we ignite pandemonium when together. This was our plan. No Jacob, no African gods, nor Council, no Order and no Maditau.
"Makela is the most irritating person I know and most of the time she does so to annoy me but there's no other person I hold dear. She's important to me. Give me your word that no harm whatsoever comes her way and I'll ensure the honour of our kind, the Kufu, that revenge is served", I assured. As much as avenging as I wished for, my concern for Makela's wellbeing was greater. Apart from her, I knew I was not going to be as pugnacious but still strong enough to execute and complete the plan.
"You have my word. Return to your flesh, your energy is required for tomorrow", he said as he stood up to leave.
Paralysis occurred as soon as I returned to my vessel, which, lasted for a few seconds. I felt slightly warn out and only realizing that I was not alone when Makela, who was lying next to me, "you should master it or find a place to hide your body before you travel about. You never know, you might not have a vessel to return to", she finished. "I still can't believe it's over, it feels wrong", I frowned. "Lust for blood and the sound of blade protruding through flesh, innit?", she chuckled.
"How long had you planned to live like this? I mean, we get to go home", she said, "not all of us. You saved me from that French chick. I woke up months later into the new year. Those I consider friends and family are no longer there. I have no home to return to", I said as the thought of it dawned on me. "Hey! Do not ever say that again. I can be your home", she said while punching me on the chest. I kissed her on the forehead. My last words to her were, "good night".