Page 8 of Wrath of the Oracle

Sholei fastenedher medicine bag on the donkey in the medicine yard. The animal was more stubborn than it was worth but served its purpose. The medicine bag was old and torn around the edges, but it would have to do. She’d left her newer one deep in the forest after she ran for her life. It was her favorite, and she’d recently bought it from the Keseve Market with her meager savings. She lost her bracelet in the chaos. It was the only item that connected her to her mysterious background. Sholei frowned asshe recalled her experience earlier in the day. She couldn’t wait to meet Prince Gane and share her findings.

“Once you are done sulking, we have to leave,” Musembi called out from the rickety gate, their earlier argument forgotten.

“Typical,” Sholei whispered under her breath. Musembi swept things under the rug. If not for the ache on her cheek, Sholei might’ve forgotten about it, too.

“I don’t want us to be late for our appointment. The king has been in a bad mood recently because of the tensions in the Keseve Market.”

Sholei was weary. The activities of the day had exhausted her. First, an ungrateful Dembe soldier threatened her life after she healed him. Then, the whole fiasco in the streets under the Lord Keita monument and her argument with Musembi. The quick bath she took did little to soothe her tired muscles. After warm food, she felt lethargic and in much need of sleep. Her only motivation was the chance to speak to Prince Gane.

Musembi instructed another student to take charge of the yard. Musembi avoided house visits, but no one in their right mind ignored Queen Kajala’s summons. She was the mother of their nation, and her son, the prince, who was most likely next in line for the throne, was hurt.

The journey to the palace took an hour. Since the medicine yard was at the edge of the capital, they had to walk a considerable distance. Add to this the ornery nature of the donkey, their only means of transport, and the journey was twice as long.

Narrow paths merged into larger streets, and they passed merchants. They avoided any street where High Lord Keita’s monument was erected.

It was the afternoon, and the sun beat down on them. They passed several people who gave them a wide berth. Musembi appeared unfazed as she walked with her head high, and her favorite walking stick clicked against the ground. Musembi ditched her everyday cotton dress and chose a black silk one. The expensive material was bought from the Keseve Market during their last trip. The silk covered her from her shoulders to her toes. A leather belt wrapped around her waist, and beaded sandals covered her feet.

“After this trip, we won’t have to associate ourselves with the royals anymore,” Musembi commented as she adjusted her walking stick from one hand to another. Sholei knew she didn’t need it; her back was still strong. Musembi used it more like a fashion statement since senior Imperial Physicians in the capital loved them.

“It wouldn’t hurt to be in good with the royals. They pay more per visit than we normally make in weeks.” Sholei pulled the donkey’s reins. It stopped to eat grass on the roadside. “With extra money, we could purchase a more reliable horse and let the donkey rest.”

“Getting involved with Queen Kajala and her son isn’t a good idea. A lot happens behind the closed gates of Mukuru Court. It’s better to stay away.” Musembi said in a low tone, careful of the passing people.

She dangled some fruit from her bag before the animal. It brayed and nibbled on the long stalk and moved again. Musembi was fond of the stubborn beast and treatedit better than Sholei. At times, Sholei was jealous of the animal’s attention from her mentor.

“Money and wealth aren’t everything, Sholei. You would best remember that.” Musembi held Sholei’s gaze.

Sholei didn’t say anything even though she wanted to refute Musembi’s statement. Imperial Physicians in the capital were revered, and their status was high. They got to live in beautiful courtyards, and they didn’t have to forage for herbs in the forest—they had someone else do it for them.

“Saving a life is rewarding, too,” Musembi said, and Sholei scoffed. If only Musembi knew what she had undergone earlier that day, she would change the tune of her chant. Sholei had saved a life, and she nearly lost hers for the effort.

“There is no dignity in poverty. We can get what we deserve if we want it,” Sholei mumbled.

With her skills, Sholei was sure she could join the Imperial Physicians’ Academy and improve their lives, but Musembi would hear none of it. For the past two years, since she had come of age to try for the exams to join the Royal Physicians, Musembi found excuses for her not to go for the tryouts. Sholei went ahead and collected funds to enable herself to secure a passage to the distant Faye Islands.

“Sholei…” Musembi started but stopped when a court messenger from the palace appeared before their path. The palace attendant stopped them in the busy street. Everyone around turned to them.

A fashionable fan in hand, the messenger was dressed in a long white robe. A heavy leather belt on his waistwas covered in cowrie shells—the more shells, the higher the status. He wore a broad white straw hat. Behind him, two palace guards stood, their keen eyes trained on them. Musembi took a protective step before Sholei.

“Musembi, daughter of the Ulele Clan, the great King Gusiwaju of Mukuru invites you to attend a meeting with the elders,” the messenger said after the customary greeting. Both Sholei and Musembi bowed.

“I’m invited?”On hearing the summons, Musembi raised her head. Women rarely attended court meetings, except for the queen, who graced the court on special occasions. Sholei thought it was a surprise for a no-name physician to join.

“All the elders are present. They are waiting for you,” the messenger said and waved his fan. “Please follow me.” He turned and walked in the direction of the palace. “Your apprentice will have to tend to the prince alone,” he added, without turning back.

“I accept the king’s invitation.” Musembi gave Sholei a gaze that told her not to fool around.

The palace compound was vast and stretched across the open plains, surrounded by tall clay-structured walls with arched tops. They stretched up to the sky and were painted in red and orange bas-reliefs. Elaborate art depicted the people’s history in Mukuru. Motifs of kings and nobles and their contributions to the kingdom were erected, too.

Sholei wondered what it took for one’s face to appear on the fortifications.The recent additions were Prince Gane and his victory against the vicious bandits.

Well-trained guards secured the four main gates. Made of cast iron and wood, the heavy doors led into the palace. They were decorated with patterns and motifs carved into the wood. Before Sholei and Musembi entered, they were checked and their bags were searched. The first time Sholei visited the palace, she was surprised by the level of security at the entrance. Mukuru Kingdom was the strongest among their neighbors. Bilateral talks, intermarriages, sports, and trading between its cities enabled them to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the region.

Inside the gate stood the golden statue of the sky god Keita perched on a tall monument. It stood with its wings extended, and its golden gaze bore into her. Similar statues adorned the palace, and Musembi once said King Gusiwaju was somewhat fanatic about the Northern sky god. He worshiped it and invoked its name in everything he did.

“Asaa,” the snarling voice from earlier whispered, and Sholei grabbed her head and stifled a groan as pain pounded between her ears.Where did the headache come from? They weren’t anywhere near the statue of Asaa.

“Sholei,” Musembi’s panicked voice sounded muffled against the rush of blood in Sholei’s ears. The smell of the medicine she spilled earlier hit her nose before she felt its taste down her throat. She stifled the urge to gag at the sour, familiar taste. No matter how long she took it, Sholei couldn’t get used to the awful flavor.

---