Page 89 of Wrath of the Oracle

“My people aren’t welcomed in the capital. I am safe in the army camp.” Litonde shrugged his shoulders. “I will be in the camp outside the capital when the general goes back, unlike you, who will thrive among the royals with your skills after your studies.”

“It’s their loss not to appreciate the talents you possess,” Sholei tried to cheer the older man up. As an outcast in Mukuru, she understood the prejudice Litonde faced due to his skin tone. It didn’t matter where people were, they were still shallow.

“You and the general will have a happy union.” Litonde smiled at her, and Sholei floundered with words. She grew apprehensive about their future, but after the earlier discussion, she hoped they stood a chance. With Ojore by her side, Sholei would face the future bravely.

Once she ensured Ojore was comfortable for the night, she stepped out for fresh air. Litonde left earlier to retire for the night and promised to relieve her duty in the morning. Mueni went to prepare midnight snacks and was yet to return.

The midnight air was cool and the scent of flowers was in the air. Soon, she would leave, Sholei thought, she gazed up at the scattered clouds as they drifted across a starlit sky. When would she watch the stars above the plains again? After she and Ojore found a way to tackle the Oracle’s words, she doubted if she would return to Mukuru. Would she ever get to see Tula again? Sholei refused to believe her best friend was dead.

Tula was out there,somewhere.

Sholei caressed the pendant on her neck, which Litonde gave her. She was about to achieve her biggest dream. But a thought gnawed at the back of her mind. Doubts over whether she could achieve a better end with different choices crowded her mind.

Out of the shadows, a guard appeared at her side with a note in his hand. Sholei tried to get a good view of his face, but a dark hood covered his face. He passed her the small parchment and disappeared into the darkness again.

Sholei recognized Musembi’s handwriting. Musembi found information about the Oracle, and Sholei was to go to the medicine yard the moment she received the letter. Sholei tried to follow the guard, but he disappeared. Ojore placed guards to watch over Musembi after the incident at Tula’s home. The messenger must have come from the medicine yard.

She returned to check on Ojore and tucked the covers under his arms. He didn’t move, and he would be in that state for the next several days before the herbs worked.

“I’ll be back soon.” She kissed his cool brow and picked up a heavy coat on her way out. She nodded to the guards by the door and walked away. Her guards were nowhere to be seen, but Sholei wasn’t surprised. The men kept in the shadows and rarely made an appearance before her. They would be close by.

A horse ride later, she rushed through the empty moonlit streets of Mukuru. She would see Musembi and convince her to join the trip to Dembe. The old woman spoke about a new start and they had a chance, away from the prejudice of the Mukuru people. Later, Sholei arrived at the quiet street and stopped before the gates ofthe medicine yard. The outdoor lamps were lit, and the gate wide open.

“Musembi, where are you?” Sholei called out as soon as she jumped off the horse. She went past the gates to the main hall, where warm lights came through the windows. The other apprentices left the medicine hall after they learned of Sholei’s connection to the Dembe.

“Musembi?” Sholei removed the cap off her head and walked over the threshold.

Something hard hit her on the back of the head, and Sholei crumbled on the floor.

When she came about,a dreadful feeling filled her. Pain pounded behind her ear, and a cloth covered her face. She tried to move, but her hands were tied behind her back.

“Sit tight, Sholei, the waters here are choppy.” Musembi’s muffled voice drifted above her. The cover before her eyes was lifted and a warm light swam before her face and Musembi gazed down at her.

“What is going on?” Sholei asked, her eyes glanced around. An old man sat at the far end of what seemed like a boat, and the sounds of an oar sliced through the water.

“Where are we?” she asked, her gaze on Musembi’s solemn one. In the dim light, Musembi looks doubled her age. “Release me.” Sholei wiggled against her bindings, the boat swayed precariously. Where were her guards? Sholei wondered. Did Musembi knock them out, too? Not likely. Maybe she used the poisonous powder.

“I guess I should release your arms. We are far from the capital now.” Musembi leaned and cut off her bindings, she avoided Sholei’s gaze.

“Why are you doing this?” Sholei whispered against the lump in her throat. “Where are you taking me? Have you forgotten what happened to Lake Alokove? More people will be hurt if Ojore learns I disappeared.”

“We are taking a different river to reach Lake Alokove faster. It’s a secret trade route with rough rapids. Ojore won’t follow us here. Besides, I hired the best fisherman in the capital to help us cross.” Musembi cocked her head to the man, and Sholei’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Koito?” she asked. The man was deaf and couldn’t speak. He was in the medicine yard several times, and his means of payment was always fresh fish.

“You have to get to Faye Islands as soon as possible.” Musembi began as she pulled Sholei into a sitting position when the boat bounced off in a strong current.

“Ojore promised to help me tackle the Oracle once I settled on the Islands.” Sholei raised her voice. “I had everything figured out. You just had to follow me.”

“How sure Ojore will let you go once you arrive Dembe?” Musembi shook her head. “I must help you get there faster before Lord Keita gets to you.”

“Musembi…” Sholei started. If she could reason with her, maybe she’d turn the boat around. Ojore would think the worst once he realized Sholei didn’t keep her word and ran off. Musembi’s life was in danger.

“You’re the most important thing in my life, Sholei. I don’t care if I face death, but youmustsurvive.” Musembi cut her off. “My family cut me off for my failure to join thephysicians. I was going to poison myself with wine after I failed my final attempt at joining the Academy, but you appeared. You saved my life, and now I am returning that favor.”

“I…” Sholei shook her head as words failed her.

“There was a time when I had dreams and ambitions. I, too, was in love with a man beyond my station. He was a gallant soldier who always had a kind word for me, but luck wasn’t on my side as he was promised to another. He couldn’t marry a no-name physician, and that is why I worked hard to prove I could join the Academy. As it was, I failed again and again, each time sinking further in despair and anguish.” Musembi sniffed back tears. Sholei wiped her tears with the back of her hand. Musembi never opened up like she was doing.

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