Page 42 of Wrath of the Oracle

They stood facing the stone fortress of the small community of Wangi. Sholei learned the male residents of Wangi were once soldiers in the Dembe Southern army but were released from duty for various reasons. Some were too old, others bore wounds and suffered chronic diseases that prevented them from fighting in the war. They chose not to return to Dembe and stayed in the warmer grasslands. They married local women and formed a community, and Ojore granted them immunity from the court.

Lord Odende, the princess’s husband, would shed his identity as a soldier and work at the king’s court. Since he became a royal close to the throne, he wasn’t allowed to command any army. He let go of his ambition for the princess; he stood beside his wife and couldn’t hide his affection for her. Sholei wondered if she would ever have that kind of connection with someone.

“We have to get back to the camp before sundown.” Ojore stood before Radi, saddled and ready.

“Take care on your way back.” The princess took her brother’s forearms. “We didn’t get to spend much time together, but thank you for bringing Sholei to my wedding.”

“You will spend more time together when she settles in the capital.” Ojore patted his sister’s hand.

“Don’t be too hard on her,” Ngele admonished her brother.

“Focus on your marriage. It won’t be easy for Odende to settle in court. He is a good soldier, but he will need your help maneuvering the dirty politics that plague Father’s palace.” Ojore bumped Ngele’s nose with his knuckle, a smile dancing on his lips.

“Whatever happens, we choose to go through it together.” Lord Odende assured his friend and shook his forearm.

Sholei observed the brother and sister’s interaction. Ojore gave his sister a warm smile. Brother and sister might banter and throw jabs at each other, but they shared genuine affection.

As they waved their goodbyes, the horse trotted forward, and a single tear dropped from the princess’s eyes as her husband held her close.

They traveled in companionable silence,and Sholei soaked in the wind on her face and the warm, firm feeling of Ojore’s body behind her. She loved the thrill of riding a horse.

After encountering the statue the previous night, Ojore accompanied her back to her room. He informed her they would leave the following day and then he retired for the night. Sholei was thankful he didn’t press with more questions. They hadn’t spoken much at breakfast, and she avoided Ojore’s questioning looks.

They weren’t far from the stone fortress when Ojore tensed behind her a second before he leaned forward and pushed her against the neck of the horse. An arrow swished past her ear and missed them by inches. Sholei yelped and hugged Radi’s neck tight.

“Stay low and cover your head.” Ojore’s tight voice came from somewhere above her.

She did as she was instructed and held on for dear life. Horse hooves raced behind them and she turned to witness several riders hot on their tail. They screamed above their horses with raised weapons. They were dressed in black, their faces covered with dark turbans. Sholei couldn’t tell who they were, which scared her even more.

Ojore changed the course of the horse and Radi dashed into some thickets surrounded by tall acacia trees. Ojore guided his horse as it dashed through the thorny bushes.

Ojore jumped from the horse in midair and took Sholei down with him. Sholei’s eyes darted around with fear. In the distance, the men’s loud war cries called Ojore’s name. Ojore hit Radi’s rump, and the horse rushed out of the thicket just as the war cries of their pursuers grew closer.

Ojore took her hand and ran deep into the thickets, clear from the prickly thorns. When they reached a hugetree, Ojore pulled her down and took a band from his wrist to tie back his wild hair.

Was he going to confront them?Could he take on such a large group?

“Sholei, I want you to listen to me.” He adjusted his spear on his back and drew his sword from the shaft. “Those men are after my life.” He raised his eyebrow at her when she didn’t reply.

“Why do they want you dead?” She found her question redundant as soon as it came from her mouth. Of course, someone wanted him dead. He had led conquests for many years and accumulated many enemies.

She, too, wanted him dead, but at the moment, Ojore was the lesser of the two evils. She doubted if their pursuers were a friendly lot.

“I have many adversaries who want me dead.” Ojore clenched his fist on the black sword.

“Do you have to do this?” She held onto his hand that gripped the sword with both of hers. No matter how large a fish is, big bait will catch it. She had witnessed him fight and Sholei didn’t doubt Ojore’s prowess, but their pursuers might overwhelm him with their number.

“I don’t hide from my enemies. I confront them and fight.” His voice carried a hint of amusement that betrayed their overall situation. What was so funny? They could easily lose their lives. “They will soon realize that Radi is all alone and will come back for me. I must be ready.”

“Try to avoid getting killed,” Sholei said. He tried standing up, but Sholei held on to him. She realized she didn’t want him dead, and the thought shocked her more than the situation they were in.

”If I don’t go out there, we’ll be caged here. I don’t want to put you in danger.” Ojore paused, then closed his arms around her, and held her close. Acting on pure instinct, she wrapped her arms around his middle and nuzzled her head on his chest. His heartbeat was steady and firm in her ear.

“It feels good to have you care for me,” he whispered against her ear as he tightened his hold. “Don’t come out, no matter what you hear or see.”

Then he was gone. Sholei crouched under the tree and kept herself small. She had a clear view through the thicket. The horse riders soon surrounded him. Sholei grabbed the protruding root tree and narrowed her eyes, glued to the scene before her.

“You chose the wrong day to attack me.” Ojore’s voice was steady and loud enough for her to hear above the neighs and horse stamps. Dust swirled around, and a loud eagle screeched above the trees. Sholei’s mouth fell open at the same bird that attacked her on the day she met Ojore. Did it follow him?

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