Page 37 of Wrath of the Oracle

“Or someone stops you,” Sholei muttered under her breath.

A necessity that grew into desire. Did that explain her current status? In the beginning, becoming an Imperial Physician was a desire to survive Mukuru capital until recently, when she jumped before Ojore’s sword, it had grown into a need. Without the status of an Imperial Physician, would she survive the turbulent world?

They continued their ride, and by early evening, they reached a deep valley with a human population.

Ojore stopped by some huge dark boulders and released a shrill whistle. Out of the shadows, people approached them dressed in dark robes, which camouflaged them among the black rocks. Ojore jumped down from the horse as they came closer. With ease, he grabbed her from Radi’s flank and let her down. Sholei ignored how his long fingers lingered on her waist before he released her.

“I knew that was Radi I saw coming.” One of the men approached and bowed before Ojore. He was older, his long beard silver. “Welcome, my prince. Your presence amongst us is always a blessing.” The other men behind him followed suit and lowered their weapons.

“Don’t bother with the formalities.” Ojore helped the man up and gave him a hearty clap on the back. “You are no longer in the king’s court.”

“We can’t forget our ways no matter how far we are from home.” the older man held Ojore’s forearms.

“This isn’t a formal visit; today, I came with a friend.” He turned and took Sholei’s elbow and guided her to his side.

“Good evening, Elders.” She bowed, as per the customs of her home.

“A Mukuru City maiden,” the old man chuckled, his warm eyes twinkling. He sent Ojore a quizzical look as he reciprocated her greeting. “Welcome, my daughter. A friend of Prince Ojore is a friend here.”

“Night is fast approaching. Let us get home for the celebrations,” The white bearded man said.

Horses were drawn before them, and they rode past the boulders. After a short distance, a massive stone wall appeared. A small gate was below, guarded by soldiersdressed in war regalia like the men from the war camp. Shrill cheers rang in the air as they passed through.

Apart from the king’s palace and senior elders’ homes, which included intricate stonework, the ordinary people of Mukuru used clay bricks. The Dembe used stones, and skillful stonemasons built massive dry-stone walls incorporating large natural boulders. The walls extended between rocky outcrops and giant rocks, forming narrow passageways and enclosures.

When they passed the gates, the deafening cheers grew wilder. Women, men, and children were gathered before them. They bowed in unison and welcomed Prince Ojore. Sholei fell under scrutiny as curious eyes lingered on her. Sitting on a horse with the prince, she was an object of speculation. Ojore was indifferent to her mood as he climbed down and took her with him. He smiled and greeted the crowd as she tried to hide behind his tall form. He took her hand and steadied her by his side.

“Ojore, you came in at the right time. The wedding celebrations are about to begin.” A tall young man appeared before them and clasped Ojore’s forearm in a firm greeting.

“Odende, congratulations on your wedding. Who knew that you would be the first to get married between us? And to my sister of all people?” Ojore laughed good-naturedly at the man. Sholei never heard him laugh, and the deep sound softened the hard lines of his face.

His sister? She was to attend a royal wedding?

“Thank you for your kind words,” Odende beamed. Tall like Ojore with a long, wiry stature, his hair was close-cropped, but he kept a fashionable beard, creatively dyeddeep yellow ochre to match his hair. He smiled and bowed in her direction before he turned back to Ojore.

“Don’t mind me. You can proceed with your celebrations,” Ojore addressed the rest of the group.

“My Lady, if you’d join me.” A middle-aged woman approached Sholei from the side.

With a nod of encouragement from Ojore, Sholei followed the woman, and Ojore released her hand. She looked back to see Ojore’s head reared in laughter as he walked away with Odende in the opposite direction. The men who received them followed close behind.

“Watch your step,” the woman warned as they climbed stairs that led to a vast row of rooms. Bright lanterns hung on the high wooden beams. The woman led Sholei to a quiet room at the end of the corridor. She opened the door and urged Sholei inside.

It was brightly lit and well-furnished, with fabric draping the walls and heavy carpets on the floor. At one end was a bed hidden behind a golden screen curtain. Sholei traced the outline of a woman’s figure on top. A low fire burned, and an intoxicating scent permeated the room.

“Come closer,” a curious voice called to her, and Sholei took tentative steps forward. The woman who had led her into the room departed.

“I need to see the woman who managed to capture Ojore’s heart,” the voice continued, and Sholei moved deeper into the room.

“Greetings, I am Sholei from Mukuru City,” Sholei greeted, her eyes strained to see past the curtain.

“A maiden from Mukuru? Interesting.” The woman chuckled and rose gracefully from the bed. “Come to me, Sholei.”

Past the drape, Sholei faced one of the most elegant women she had ever seen. They had to be close in age since the woman didn’t look much older than her. Dressed in flowing golden robes secured under her arms, she was adorned with gold ornaments on her neck, arms, and ears. Her hair was braided into beautiful knots that fit her long face.

“You are a beauty. No wonder he’s taken with you.” The woman fawned. Her eyes ran over Sholei from covered head to booted feet.

“You are beautiful, too.” Sholei smiled at her host.

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