Page 73 of Wrath of the Oracle

“Why would Keita want me…us dead?” Sholei turned when an icy hand touched her shoulder. No one was behind her.

“I can’t reveal much,” the voice grew distant again. “I thought if you witnessed Ojore’s cruelty, you’d want him dead, but I should have known the hands of destiny would work against me.” The Oracle released a cackle that sounded like someone laughing underwater. Strangled and wretched.

“What happened in my past life? What grudges do you bear that you want me to take them out on Ojore? Does he know he’s harboring Lord Keita inside him?” Sholei fired the questions into the dark.

“Keita has always been resilient. You’re lucky Ojore is holding him back, with orwithouthis knowledge. But when the time comes, and he rises to the surface, it will be too late to stop him.” A streak of lightning hit somewhere behind her, and the Oracle’s voice cried out in agony. The snake hissed at Sholei and bore its fangs.

“Watch this!” the Oracle screeched, and Sholei stood in front of a river with rushing waters. An icy hand gripped her and pushed her down head-first into the roaring current. Sholei screamed and tried to get up, but the grip on her was tight, and the cold water pulled her under.

“Look,” the voice commanded again, and before her, the water turned into a vast battlefield. In the distance, the dark flags of Dembe flew high on a pile of dead bodies. The endless field was filled with the corpses of fallen, faceless men. Black clouds rumbled in the distance, and bolts of lightning flashed.

“This is the future, Sholei. Won’t it be easy to believe that Ojore will cause this, and if you stop him now, the continent will know peace?” the Oracle asked.

Crows cawed as they poked at the dead flesh of the deceased. A charging army rode toward her. She made out Radi’s dark coat leading the charge. At the forefront of the army was Ojore, barely recognizable, splattered with blood and face paint, his dreadlocks blowing in the wind.

“Sholei,” Tula’s whispered voice came through. “Help me.”

Sholei stifled a scream when she saw Tula on the ground and her limbs missing. Tula was dressed in the alliance battle outfit, and her face had numerous cuts.

“He’s coming for me,” Tula whispered in labored breaths, blood spluttering from her split lips.

“Do you see what I mean?” the voice snarled. “Prince Ojore will kill everyone you love. Do away with him before Keita awakens and buy time with his death to complete your mission.”

“There’s more? What mission?”

“After Ojore’s death, go to the Faye Islands….” The skies were lit up by lightning again and dusty air swirled around.

“I can’t kill a man for a sin he has yet to commit.” Sholei shook her head and fought the rising hysteria. The sights, the sounds, and the rancid smell of rotting flesh made her choke.

“His biggest sin is surviving to this day. Ojore’s death is our golden opportunity…”

”What if I defy your words?” Sholei turned around, trying to locate the voice.

”Even after seeing how cruel Prince Ojore is and his wicked ways, you still defend him?” the voice screeched and the wind howled. “Remember this.” The scene of Tula before Ojore in the camp with the other spy flooded her vision. “Look at his eyes.”

Sholei watched as Ojore raised his sword and, with one swoop, sliced the neck of the male spy. The crimson blood splashed on his face, and a cruel smirk stretched his lips. Sholei’s blood ran cold. It seemed like he relished the act. His eyes turned the color of burning coal, smoldering, unfeeling, and distant as if she were looking at somebody else.

“What about what happened in Lake Alokove?” the voice insisted, and cold fingers dug into Sholei’s shoulder before she was dragged from that scene back to the misty forest. This time, the Oracle stood tall, with flowing robes and long white hair that fell below her waist. Her face was behind a birdlike mask, her facial features hidden, but her green eyes stared straight into Sholei’s soul.

”You will lose the people you love the longer Ojore lives. You will live in regret, Sholei. Mark my words.”

“Are you sure about this?” Mueni asked Sholei as they walked toward Tula’s home. It was midday, but clouds blocked the sun. They were dark and rumbled, and rain threatened to fall. Sholei had awoken soaked in sweat from her dream. The encounter with the Oracle left her shattered. She didn’t attend to Ojore that morning and instructed Akima on what to do. She couldn’t bear to see him after her horrific nightmare.

“Tulaismy best friend.” Sholei swallowed the lump in her throat. “I must attend the burial of her brothers. Maybe her parents have information on her whereabouts.” She fussed with the thick white coral necklace she wore for the burial ceremony. Dressed in white robes fastened under her arms, as custom dictated, Sholei braced herself for the receptionshe’d receive.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Mueni, dressed similarly, protested. “The general…” Mueni gazed around as if she expected Ojore to appear, but Sholei knew he was busy.

“Prince Ojore doesn’t need to know about this.” Sholei turned to Mueni, her voice tight. “Am I clear?”

“Yes, My Lady.” Mueni bowed. She adjusted the white basket of grains in her hand. It was customary for one to visit with gifts, even if it was during a burial.

They approached the vast compound, and loud mourning voices resonated. The burial was being held in the front yard of the residence since the men being buried weren’t married nor bore children. Throngs of white-clad mourners walked inside. Once they noticed Sholei, they gave her a wide berth. They murmured among themselves and shook their heads. Sholei ignored their accusatory glances and walked forward. She was there for Tula.

“You are in the wrong place, witch.” Mmbone stepped forward from the crowd and blocked Sholei’s path. Her white robes swung about her feet. “We don’t welcome traitors among us.”

“I won’t fight you today.” Sholei faced her. “I came to pay my last respects to the courageous men who died fighting for their kingdom.”

The surrounding crowd went silent. Even the mourners stopped crying, and attention turned toward her. The burial ceremony was a communal occasion, and Sholei wasn’t surprised to see Mmbone attending.

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