Mount Sabyinyo
The voice of Elohim echoed in the gathering place where the great kings awaited. It was a powerful and soothing presence. "Welcome, my formidable warriors. I have summoned you here to establish a new animal kingdom for each of you. Zarda, the lion prince, whom I have revealed to you in your visions, will be your new leader and ruler. I have chosen him above all others, and he alone possesses the original staff gifted at Rock Hill. Today, each leader will receive a special gift, one that will enable me to connect with you and the item simultaneously. I will be able to perform wonders on your behalf, just as I do for Zarda. This gift will work for you as well. It is not magic; it is the power of omnipotence, which only I wield. I am Elohim, a being of great strength, and you will come to know me," proclaimed the Master.
Zarda was so absorbed in his words that he didn't initially notice the absence of one of the lion tribes. However, once it registered, it consumed his thoughts. The serenity he had felt swiftly transformed into bitterness. He couldn't help but wonder why the Master had commenced the ceremony in their absence. He was aware that the Blackmane tribe would be tardy, so why hadn't the Master chosen to wait? Ultimately, it didn't concern him too much; his pride had made sure to come early. The Master would proceed once they arrived.
Deep down, Zarda felt a sense of satisfaction. In truth, he wished for the King's demise instead. The only drawback was that Master Elohim was aware of his thoughts and openly challenged him about it. On this day, Elohim felt disheartened by the need to correct Zarda so frequently. He recognized that Zarda's heart was prepared, yet he wasn't demonstrating his worthiness. In an effort to regain composure, Zarda shifted his focus to more tranquil thoughts, all the while eagerly anticipating the appearance of the lions. Master Elohim had a surprise in store for the prince, and he knew precisely what he wanted Zarda to witness. His plans for Zarda's humility were intended to bring him honor.
Gradually, an old and feeble lion made his way in. It was King Jarvius, aided by his two warriors who helped him navigate his weakened state. He had not fully recovered from the injury inflicted upon him by King Ezekiel all those years ago, making even his human form a challenge for him. Their pride scanned the surroundings for a place to settle, but the only available space was wedged between the gorillas and the crocodiles—two rather unwelcoming options, as Zarda thought. Moving slowly and steadily, they approached that spot. As the King found a relatively suitable place to rest, his eyes inadvertently fell on Zarda. For a moment, his dark face seemed to pale, nearly as white as Zarda's own. He hesitated mid-step, gazing intently at him. Zarda's heart raced, yet he remained still. It struck Jarvius odd, how closely Zarda resembled his father, King Ezekiel—a sight both eerie and profound.
Together, Prince Zarda, King Jarvius, and the gorilla king exchanged lingering glances among themselves while Elohim continued speaking.
"Welcome, Jarvius and the Blackmane pride. I'm pleased to see you've arrived safely, just in time. Please take a seat and listen closely. As I was saying, you are all here to negotiate a treaty with me. This agreement stipulates that the animal kingdoms represented here shall never engage in murder without just cause. You are responsible for protecting each of your kingdoms. Should the need arise for trade or assistance in battle, you may come to each other's aid. You also agree that the beasts of the fields, which I have left untouched as they once were, may be hunted for food, but any animal caught must be cooked thoroughly. Do you all understand?" stated Elohim.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Before their eyes, a flat stone began to take shape in the center of the animal circle, surrounded by a golden glow as it expanded. Atop the stone, a piece of parchment emerged, accompanied by an ink jar and a feather quill.
"Only kings, please step forward to the parchment one at a time. If your kingdom agrees with my terms, kindly sign the treaty. The parchment also reflects your understanding of the visions I shared with you last night, affirming your commitment to uphold and teach these principles to future generations. Now, I ask that each animal kingdom approach in an orderly manner, with King Zarda and his pride coming last," Elohim stated.
The assembly didn't start immediately; there was a noticeable hesitation among the attendees to take the lead. Tired of waiting amidst the lesser kingdoms, the Cheetah King took the initiative and strode confidently to the center. Standing before the stone, he wore a puzzled expression, realizing he had forgotten how to write—a skill that had slipped his mind. In a moment of kindness, the master whispered secret advice into his ear about how to use the writing instruments. The Cheetah King leaned closer, grasping the feather pen with his right hand. After dipping its tip into the ink, he skillfully signed his name on the parchment: King Mapoza of the Zimbabee coalition. Returning the feather to the ink jar, he went back to his loyal companion, Cheetah Jafari, the second-fastest runner of their tribe. Following the Cheetah King's brave act, a line began to form as each king awaited his turn to sign for his tribe. Next was King Mosiya, whose large hands struggled with the delicate feather. Suddenly, the writing tools began to tremble and shimmer, surprising Mosiya, who instinctively pulled his hand back at the odd sight. In response, Elohim caused the instruments to grow larger, making them easier for Mosiya to handle. Once he realized what was happening, a broad smile of gratitude spread across his face, and he nodded toward the heavens. Reaching for the pen again, he found it now perfectly suited to his massive hands.
One by one, each king affixed his signature to the treaty, unanimously agreeing it was just. The last to approach was Zarda, as requested by Master. He examined the signatures, taking note of each kingdom represented. There was Zawad, the Water Buffalo King of the Beric herd; Ayo, the Leopard King of the Jazmine A-Leap clan; and Shani, the Whale Shark King representing the Atlantis aggregation along the coastal waters. Next, he saw Tambo, the African Wild Dog King of the Hendris pack; Usian, the Owl King from Giza's parliament; and Shafira, the Gazelle King of the Nubia herd. Guembesha, the Giraffe King, hailed from the Havre Tower herd, while Jomo, the Hippo King, belonged to the Ponyamo Thunder herd. Zafar, the Meerkat King, led the Ziti mob. Kwanza was the Hyena King of the Rumbada Cackle pack, and Sefu, the Crocodile King, represented the Nile Bask Float tribe. Ghakarhi was the Gorilla King of the Congolese band; Jata, the Tawny Eagle King, came from the Azung colony. Kiama was the Zebra King of the Jambo Dazzle herd, while Tian represented the Rhino King of the Adisa Crash herd. Safiri was the Baboon King of the Makena Flang troop. Umoja, the Plains Tiger Butterfly King, led the Dakaria Flutter tribe, and Frederick was the African Bullfrog King of the Swazi Anuran Choruses tribe. Finally, there was King Morbius of the Imani Wildebeests herd, King Mosiya of the Elephant Mawombie Parade, King Jarvius of the Black mane Pride, and his friend Purk, the Warthog King of the Hog Hill Clan.
Once the treaty was unanimously signed, the Master summoned it to himself. The parchment floated upwards, vanishing into the clouds, while the ink and quill disappeared at the same instant. The covenant was established, and Elohim was prepared to bestow gifts upon each kingdom. He first called forth the formidable beasts of the gathering to the center stone: King Shani the whale shark, King Mosiya the elephant, King Jomo the hippopotamus, King Tian the rhinoceros, and finally, King Ghakarhi the gorilla. The five great creatures stepped forward, forming a circle around the stone. A cascade of shimmering silver dust flowed downward toward them. As swiftly as it descended, it rose back into the clouds, but not before leaving behind a magical residue. What remained on the stone were five powerful spears, as thick as tree branches, as strong as boulders, and as sharp as glass. Each spear's tip was adorned with a vibrant, intricately chiseled gemstone crafted by the Master himself. They glowed with a fiery intensity, shining brightly like torches.
One spear was a vibrant ocean blue, reminiscent of the coastal seas that King Shani once swam in, with a rod as dark as onyx. Crafted specifically for the Atlantis aggregation, it brought a wide smile to Shani's face as he admired its beauty. Beside it was a light brown rod, resembling a sturdy tree trunk, intended as a gift for the Mawombie parade. It featured delicate leaf buds sprouting from various places, along with intricately glazed gnarled knobs, symbolizing a unique design meant for their tribe. Trees signified life and freedom for them. The spear's tip glowed like the embers of a fiery orange flame, captivating anyone who looked upon it. The third spear was equally stunning, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. It boasted a lime-yellow hue with a deep army green rod, representing the ponyamo thunder herd, evoking the essence of a swampy river. In the middle of the rod was an unbreakable glass section, inside which flowed a piece of the Nile River itself, serving as a reminder of their origins and true identity. King Jomo cherished this gift immensely. The fourth spear was a dark brown rod with a striking teal tip designed for the Adisa crash herd, its end crackling with electric sparks. This design was a tribute by the master to reflect the rhino tribe as a powerful bolt of goodness. The fifth and final spear was a fiery red with a white rod, symbolizing the Congolese band, where red stood for power and heart, and white for purity. The creator held great admiration for King Ghakarhi, who was known for his gentle spirit and kind-hearted nature.
"Come forward, my Kings, to claim your gifts," said the creator. "These mighty spears are yours, my gentle giants of the earth. With them, you will wield the power to conjure fire and heal ailments. Each spear will grant you unique strength in battle, a gift bestowed solely upon you. May your kingdoms be forever blessed. I entrust these to you for wise use. Go back to your seats now."
The gentle giants eagerly picked up their spears and returned to their seats as directed. Next, Elohim summoned the most beautiful creatures of the earth: King Shafira the Gazelle, King Gwembeshe the Giraffe, King Ayo the Leopard, and King Mapoza the Cheetah. As they approached to receive their gifts, they passed the first group, captivated by the stunning offerings they had just received. Their minds buzzed with excitement about the gifts that awaited them. The four graceful beasts arrived at the central stone and came to a standstill, with all eyes turning to the sky above.
Silver dust drifted down and then lifted once more, just as it had before. In its shimmering wake, four magnificent crowns emerged. Each crafted from a unique metal and adorned with vibrant gems, each crown showcased its own splendor. The master designed a golden crown for the Nubia herd, shaping it into a tall, spiked structure reminiscent of their horns, with bright emeralds intricately woven into the soft gold—a perfect harmony of colors. The second crown, intended for the Havre Tower herd, was made of silver, embellished with tiny rubies strategically placed to achieve an impeccable look. The third crown was created for the Jazmine Leap tribe, fashioned from titanium and set with topaz gems, symbolizing strength and resilience, much like the tribe itself. Lastly, for the Zimbabee coalition, a beautifully crafted bronze crown was adorned with exquisite pure opals. The master took great pleasure in creating this final crown, captivated by its vibrant color combination.
Elohim addressed the crowd once more. "Please, take your crowns and place them upon your heads. You, the most exquisite creatures on this earth, are granted the crowns of humility. Though you possess great beauty and are highly sought after, remember that beauty can lead to vanity, and vanity often breeds pride, which may lead to one's downfall. Exercise caution. Let these crowns serve as both beautiful adornments and weighty reminders to stay humble in your daily journeys. As long as you wear these crowns, the same principles apply to you as I shared with the first group. Additionally, this applies to all groups I will summon. Your gifts will forge a connection to the powers I freely bestow upon you. Misuse them in any way, and they will be reclaimed for eternity. Do you understand?"
There was unanimous agreement among the kingdoms. The message was unmistakable. Without hesitation, the noble creatures donned their crowns. They admired their exquisite adornments and enhanced their own beauty. However, they quickly realized the true meaning behind the master's mention of a heavy burden. The crowns were incredibly heavy, pressing down on their heads and causing them to tilt slightly forward. It served as a constant reminder of their obligation to fulfill his wishes.
After dismissing the previous group, Elohim summoned another set of kings: King Morbius the Wildebeest, King Zawad the Water Buffalo, and King Kiama the Zebra. Mirroring their predecessors, they approached the rock to await their gifts. From above, three bows and arrows descended. The first set featured an electric purple bow adorned with silver arrows intended for the Imani herd. These were no ordinary weapons; they were engineered for more than just aerodynamics. Each arrow packed a devastating punch, with a powerful jolt that could incapacitate. The first bow harnessed electricity; when an arrow struck its target, it would embed itself, delivering a steady stream of electrical charges akin to an electric eel. Quite impressive indeed. The second bow was crafted in white, accompanied by glowing green arrows for the Beric herd. This bow had the sinister ability to corrode the flesh of any living creature with its toxic chemical venom. Lastly, the master didn't overlook the final tribe. He fashioned a striking red bow with black arrows for the Jambo dazzle herd. These arrows were reminiscent of atomic missiles, carrying immense destructive power. The impact they created could obliterate even the most heavily armored vessel. These gifts were bestowed upon the most skilled and patient of his beasts.
"I have bestowed upon you, my resolute warriors, bows of great endurance. I recognize your hearts are both patient and discerning. I would not grant these powerful and deadly gifts to anyone but you. I trust wholeheartedly that you will wield them wisely. Take them into your hands now. Feel the bow tremble as my strength flows into you. Notice how the arrows shine brightly as your hands draw near. But be cautious— the silver arrows emit an electric charge, the green ones consume flesh from the bone, and the diamond-black arrows can disintegrate you into fragments. They should only be used in self-defense. May they bring you and your kingdom blessings. That is all for now; you may return to your seats." said Elohim.
They quickly collected their belongings and hurried back to their seats. Once more, the creator summoned another group: King Frederick the African bullfrog, King Zafar the meerkat, and King Safiri the baboon.
"I summon the tiniest, yet not insignificant, creatures of the earth to represent their kind. I present to each of you two daggers and a sheath to safeguard for all time. It is the only thing of appropriate size that befits your stature," declared the creator.
Three exquisite sets of daggers crafted from white gold, each with uniquely colored handles. The green-handled daggers were designated for King Frederick of the Swazi anuran choruses, designed for a secure grip with Slip-free features. The blades, elegantly shaped like crescent moons, were honed to a sharpness capable of slicing through bone. The second set featured copper handles for the Ziti Mob, with blades encased in gun sheet metal, as dark as a night devoid of moonlight. When the king raised one to the emerging light of dusk, it gleamed like water flowing gently in a tranquil brook. The gathering had extended so long that the company of kings had lost track of time, unaware that night had quietly arrived. They were all captivated by the final gift: a stunning collection of daggers with sapphire blue handles for the Makena flang troop. The entire dagger boasted a monochromatic blue hue that shifted to a hint of baboon red when angled just so. Each miniature dagger came with its own mahogany leather sheath to safely conceal the sharp tips. The master was delighted to witness the joy on the faces of the kings as they playfully brandished, feigned swordplay, and thrust into the air, reveling in their new treasures. After their spirited antics, they quickly sheathed their weapons and departed back to their clans.
Next, the creator summoned the creatures of the sky: King Umoja the plains tiger butterfly, King Jata the tawny eagle, and King Usian the eagle owl. Silver dust cascaded down like water before dissipating like smoke, leaving behind three exquisite rings. The first ring, forged from uranium and adorned with a tiger's eye stone, was designed for the Dakarai flutter tribe. This ring endowed its wearer with the remarkable gift of peace, allowing them to cultivate a serene atmosphere at will, unnoticed by others. The second ring, constructed from crystals with a black onyx stone set atop, was for the Azung colony, enhancing their power of foresight. Already possessing exceptional vision, the eagles would now peer even further into the unknown future. Lastly, the solitary bronze ring featured a k2 jasper stone entwined on top for the Giza parliament, granting the ability to discern spirits and foreign languages. Renowned for their knowledge, the eagle owls found this gift a valuable addition to their capabilities.
"To the beings of flight. You are my eyes upon the earth, and I bestow upon you rings of wisdom. May they guide you on your journey," declared Elohim.
The three made their way back to their seats. Elohim summoned the beasts of chaos, the creatures that the animals feared most due to their erratic nature. These included King Sefu the crocodile, King Kwanza the hyena, King Tambo the African wild dog, and King Jarvius the black mane lion. Each of them was bestowed a trident: the Nile bask, and float tribe received one crafted from abalone shell quartz, while the Rumbada cackle pack was given a trident made of fossilized coral. The Hendris pack received a trident fashioned from red creek jasper, and lastly, the black mane pride pack was awarded a trident made of pyrite, resembling fool's gold.
Elohim begun to speak slow and gentle, "I selected gifts that embody each of you individually, reflecting what I see within you. They do not represent how others perceive you; they often view you as objects of fear and danger. While you are formidable beings, that isn't the essence of who you are. You bring a necessary balance of chaos to the earth. Sefu, your gift was chosen because it is the most coveted item in the world. Your kingdom has long been intertwined with Egypt and its wealth. The material may appear unattractive on the surface, yet it holds great beauty within—just like your heart. No one but you and I are aware of this. You shield your tender side with a tough exterior; however, be cautious, for it can be toxic, just like the dust from the abaloneshell quartz. You radiate like the iridescent mother-of-pearl found within the quartz. Remember your true worth, Sefu. Kwanza, I picked fossil coral for you. While it may seem dry and rough, it symbolizes your resilience—hard to crack and unyielding. Since you thrive off the remnants of others, it is fitting to represent your house with this material. Tambo, red creek jasper was chosen for your tribe because it signifies balance and relaxation, qualities that consistently bring your clan to mind. It also symbolizes protection, grounding, and self-discipline, traits you and your tribe embody remarkably well. I take pride in you, king. Jarvius, dear old lion, I have spent many years learning about your heart. Soon, someone will come to understand your truth and embrace you for it—until then, let them be. I chose fool's gold for you, as it reflects the pursuit that has defined your life since your marriage to Lilith. You have chased after the shadow of the great King Ezekiel for so long that you may have lost sight of your own identity. Fool's gold signifies willpower and mental strength; hold on to that. May you all continue to rule with fierce determination." Thus, the creator concluded.
Zarda, Purk, and the tributes sat in confusion, as Purk had yet to be called up. Purk began to doubt whether he had correctly understood the mission. Zarda, anxious, feared that his friend would not receive the gift he had carefully selected for him. Recognizing their apprehensions, Elohim dispelled their doubts by summoning Purk last, and to his surprise, all alone. Purk rose from his seat and made his way slowly to the center stone. As the final preparations and gift presentations unfolded, he observed as a magnificent staff floated gently down toward him. It was white, adorned with a light blue amazonite stone at the end of its twisted branch, with baby blue flames dancing at the tip. Purk was overwhelmed with joy, unable to stop smiling and expressing his gratitude to the creator. Zarda felt a swell of happiness for his friend, knowing deep down that he truly deserved this moment.
"Step forward, my noble warrior Purk. It brings me great joy to see you! I am presenting you with the staff of friendship. Do you understand? It is due to your daily love and prayers for your friend that I have bestowed upon you the brother staff of Zarda's. You have proven yourself trustworthy, and you hold a special place in my heart. This gift is not only from me but has also been chosen by your friend Zarda. May you, my champion of loving friendship, continue to bless your clan forever," he joyfully declared.
After approaching the stone, Purk grasped his gift firmly in his hands. He turned back to his friend, beaming with excitement. Stepping away from the stone, he walked over to Zarda and wrapped his arms around him in a warm embrace, expressing his gratitude for the generous gift.
"Before you all head off to set up your camps for the night, may I offer one final word. I want to remind you that this ground is sacred to you. When I call you back here in my time, it will be regarded as such—holy, above all. No blood shall be shed, not even a single drop. Those who come here should do so in friendship, not fear. Leave your disputes behind; they have no place here. My hope for tonight is that alliances will be forged and perhaps some forgiveness will be extended. Come morning, you must return to your kingdoms without delay. Sweet dreams, my kings. Enjoy the spectacle I'll create in the sky for you." said the Giving Master.
The night sky was adorned with the vibrant hues of the aurora borealis, while the stars twinkled playfully in the background, resembling children engaged in a game of hide and seek among the curtains of hues.
to be continued in the next book,
Battle Of Kings