The sun rose over the horizon, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds and the gentle whispers of the wind. Ikubo and his fellow travelers prepared to continue their journey. They extinguished their fires and packed their belongings before setting off. Aziza was in the front caravan, where Ikubo held the reins of the horses. A curious Aziza inquired, "What are these Gates of Obadju you mentioned?"
"Ah! The Great Gates of Obadju! One of the greatest architectural marvels of the world, built 200 years ago by one of the finest blacksmiths this world has ever known. The wall is made from Juju Stones in their purest form, a feat achievable only by a blacksmith blessed by Obadju himself, hence the name," Ikubo chuckled softly before continuing, "The gates are impenetrable, neither by juju nor physical force, and they are one of Sobekana's many defenses."
"Hmm, and the people of Sobekana worship this Obadju?" she asked again.
"Ah yes, they say he is juju personified and is credited for Sobekana's lands being rich with juju… Oh, and speaking of, we have nearly reached your destination. This is where we must part ways."
Aziza descended from the caravan, bid her former companions farewell, and approached the Gates of Obadju. The descriptions she had heard did not do the gates justice. They stood nine feet tall, radiating a beautiful golden shine, adorned with various artistic symbols. Their glitter rivaled the midday sun. "State your business, woman!" A stern voice snapped Aziza out of her reverie. It was one of the many guards stationed at the gates, scrutinizing those seeking entry into the city.
"Erm…" Aziza stammered, "I'm a tourist. I have come to explore the city," she declared proudly.
"We do not accept tourists. If you do not have important business, turn back now!" the guard retorted.
"But I must get through! I've traveled miles to reach here!" she protested angrily.
"Turn back now, or you shall enter the city only to reside in a jail cell," the guard warned, as he and his colleagues pointed spears at her.
Aziza, seething, turned away, muttering to herself, "If I can't enter through the gates, then I'll just have to find my own way in," she resolved with a devious smile.
She made her way towards the western side of the city walls, where the guards were sparse. She touched the walls, studying them intently. "This must be one of the thickest walls I've ever encountered. I better brace myself." She stepped back from the wall, closed her eyes, and concentrated. Her physical body became water, and water became her body. She approached the wall, dissolving into it and reappearing on the other side. As her body slowly reverted to flesh and bone, she was unaware that she had been seen by an elderly woman. "Great Tefnut!" the elderly woman exclaimed. "The Hekau Peret! I can't believe it. I never imagined seeing it in my lifetime."
Aziza, stunned, did not know what to expect from the woman. "Oh, don't fret, child. I do not intend to report you. Please, follow me to my home. Let me serve you lunch; you must be hungry," the woman said with a kind smile. Aziza, though cautious, was hungry and had no money for food, so she decided to accept the woman's offer.
***
As they walked, Aziza marveled at the beautiful architecture: tall buildings made of earth, adorned with flowers and artistic touches. "So this is Sobekana," she mused.
"Yes, child, it's the capital city of Kemetnya, to be precise, where the Chuso resides," the elderly woman replied.
"Chuso?"
"The ruler of this kingdom. Now come, child, we have almost reached my home."
Aziza noticed a crowd gathering and grew curious. She walked towards the crowd, leaving the elderly woman behind. She reached the scene and witnessed soldiers holding a young man hostage, with one of the soldiers, who seemed to be of higher rank, addressing the crowd. "Today we have captured a criminal, a man who practiced juju manipulation! This act, forbidden by the great Chuso Zaroka, is punishable by death! Let this serve as a warning to all that no one is above the law."
Two soldiers took the young man by his arms, placing his head on a platform, while another soldier wielded a heavy axe, preparing to execute him. Aziza reached for her sword, but before she could unsheathe it, the elderly woman grabbed her hand tightly and whispered, "No, my child, you mustn't. Your actions will bring the entire wrath of Sobekana upon you!"
"But I cannot just stand here and watch," Aziza protested, trying to free herself from the woman's grasp.
"Think, child. Are you strong enough to fight the entire might of the kingdom? And what use are you to anyone dead?" the old woman advised.
Aziza bit her lips and looked away from the scene, only realizing what had happened when she heard the sound of the axe landing on flesh and the cheers of the crowd. "Come, child, let us return to my home."
***
They arrived at the woman's house. It was a beautiful home located in the heart of the city, filled with artistic ornaments and fine furniture, indicating that the woman was of a higher class. "Go and bathe, child. I will have your lunch ready by the time you are finished."
"Thank you for your generosity," Aziza said, bowing her head.
As Aziza bathed in the woman's home, she reflected on many things: her home, her parents, Ikubo and his traveling companions, the execution she witnessed, and lastly, her purpose in this kingdom. After a refreshing bath, she donned a dress the elderly woman had left for her and then approached the dining room where the woman waited. "You look beautiful in that dress. It almost reminds me of myself when I was your age. Come, sit. I have prepared pounded yam with vegetable soup."
Aziza devoured the meal, having not eaten a decent meal in days, and because the elderly woman was an impeccable cook. After finishing the meal and washing her hands, they moved to the living room where the woman spoke. "I am Sanaa, and I brought you here out of curiosity about how you possess the power of the Hekau Peret."
"My name is Aziza, and I have always possessed this power since birth," she replied.
"And where were you born, Aziza?"
"Egypt, Ma, from the city of Thebes."
"Well, you are certainly far from home. What brings you to Sobekana?" Sanaa inquired.
"I came here following the direction of the goddess Tefnut, as she had instructed my mother in a dream before I was born to send me here. Which brings me to a question I wish to ask you, Ma," Aziza said.
Sanaa, curious, "Go on, child."
"When you saw me, you mentioned Tefnut. I wonder if she is worshiped here?"
"Not here, but she is worshiped mainly by the people of Nefertari, the Kianda to be specific," Sanaa replied.
"The Kianda?" Aziza asked, confused.
"The Kianda are women born of the goddess Tefnut. They are women of both land and sea, with the power to manipulate water and heal. In water, their true form emerges, with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. Sadly, they are almost extinct due to a decree by the Chuso to murder all Kianda because of a prophecy that foretold a Vutu child born of a Kianda woman would destroy the kingdom," Sanaa narrated.
"Is this Chuso mad?! Committing genocide because of a prophecy? Killing innocent women and children!" Aziza exclaimed in anger.
"Lower your voice, Aziza! If the wrong person hears you, it could cost you your life!" Sanaa cautioned.
"Whatever the case may be, Ma, this Nefertari place might hold answers as to why I am here. If some of these Kianda are alive, where could I find them?" Aziza asked.
"You would find them in The River Ka deep in Nefertari lands," Sanaa assured.
"Then that is where I must go. Thank you, Ma. I shall take my leave now," Aziza said hurriedly.
"Calm down, child. You do not even know where Nefertari or the River Ka is," Sanaa laughed.
Aziza stood a bit embarrassed. "Sit, child. You seem to have had quite the journey. Tomorrow at first light, you may depart, but for now, rest. My home is yours," Sanaa said with a reassuring smile.
Aziza bowed, "Thank you, Ma. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for your hospitality."
"It's fine, child. Sit, we have much more to discuss."
Aziza and Sanaa talked about many things late into the night