Page 19

G ane rushed towards the king’s outer court, with an urgent message for his father about the war’s progress. His strategic plans yielded results, and the re-conquest of the Keseve Market was imminent. Time was of the essence, and they needed to strike fast. Leikun’s spies reported on Ojore’s movement and dead bodies being burned in the camp.

One of his trusted spies managed to infiltrate Ojore’s camp and poison the food and water supply. Leikun supplied the poison from the far desert tribes, and it worked like magic.

Gane found his father surrounded by a few senior elders from the court and his mother. Queen Kajala’s eyes lit up with a wide smile as she spotted him. They sat in an expansive outdoor gazebo. The king sat on his gold- ornamented throne with golden lion heads adorning its armrests; the king of beasts symbolized power in their kingdom. King Gusiwaju’s golden robes—symbolizing regal authority—brushed the ground. Beside him on a smaller throne, Gane’s mother wore opulent jewelry from head to sandaled feet.

“Greetings, my King.” He bowed. “My elders.” He reciprocated his mother’s smile. “I have urgent news to share with you.”

“We, too, have good news,” his mother chimed in, her dark-rimmed eyes crinkling with amusement, her voice musical. From his periphery, the older men exchanged looks with each other.

“We’ve chosen a bride for your nuptials.” His father announced. “It’s time you settled down and started your own family.” He gave his son a supportive pat on the back.

Gane tried to hide the surprise registered on his face. He knew his father watched him for any reaction. The elders were from his mother’s clan and his biggest supporters in the fight for the throne.

The alliance would soon purge Dembe from their lands if everything went according to his plan. As it stood, the men Ojore left behind to guard the Keseve Market barricaded behind the market. Gane was sure they planned their onslaught for the upcoming days. Marriage had been the last thing on his mind.

“Isn’t it premature to discuss marriage amid an ongoing war?” Gane attempted to steer the conversation away from the topic.

“We’ve considered the circumstances and decided that a union between you and the daughter of the Makoit clan will strengthen your hold in the court if you want to ascend the throne,” King Gusiwaju said, and the elders nodded in agreement.

“The house of Makoit has a sole daughter, a beautiful young woman named Mmbone. You’ll find her quite appealing,” Queen Kajala added. “She has received training in her future role as the Crown Princess.”

“Father,” Gane interjected, and halted the conversation. “Could we defer this discussion until after the war?”

Of course, he knew Mmbone. Gane couldn’t help but grumble inside. With her incessant presence, the girl shadowed him wherever he went. She possessed the privilege and upbringing befitting a future queen, but her attitude left much to be desired. Mmbone’s father wielded substantial power and boasted powerful connections across the four cities and beyond. A marriage union with her would cement his stability in court.

“Right now,” Gane said, “Dembe soldiers are sick and dying each day. Our intelligence suggests that they are burning corpses throughout the camp due to a mysterious malady that attacked them. If we strike now, we can reclaim our land and chase them back to the mountains, where they came from.”

The elders nodded and whispered to each other.

“That is a brilliant plan.” His father chuckled, proud of his son’s achievement. His round belly danced with the effort. “Appointing you as the head of the coalition was the right decision.”

“Thank you, My King.” Gane bowed, his voice tight with determination. “It’s too early to celebrate, but it won’t be long before we purge the Dembe from our lands.”

“Ojore, Sholei is outside in the cold. You should hear her out.” Akima watched Ojore to gauge his reaction. Since the incident at the pavilion five days ago, Ojore retreated deep into his thoughts.

“She’s wasting time pleading for me to spare the life of a spy,” Ojore replied, his voice bland. He ran his hands through his long hair and approached a map on the far wall.

“That spy happens to be her friend. Sholei couldn’t bear to witness her best friend’s execution. If you proceed with Tula’s death, it may cause irreparable damage to the delicate relationship between the two of you.” Akima recalled the significant changes in Ojore’s demeanor. The smiles and apparent happiness he displayed while with Sholei were now a distant memory. He cursed the cruel twist of fate that disrupted their budding relationship.

Ojore had an irate army that wanted the spy to pay for the deaths of their comrade with her life. If he did so, Sholei would lose someone close to her, and Akima doubted their relationship would survive such a blow. A messenger from the Keseve Market reported the alliance converged to take back the market and the Dembe army lost a considerable amount of men. Everything was a mess.

“I will incite mutiny if I spare the spy’s life.” Ojore’s hands were tied. He was to weigh numerous factors before he made a decision that might jeopardize his relationship with Sholei and affect the outcome of the war.

“The soldiers’ deaths have ceased, but we still have many in critical condition. Sholei’s treatment appears to be working. You should take that into account,” Akima tried to help Ojore find a solution.

“The deaths have stopped, but we have lost too many.” The past days were hard for everyone in the camp. Hundreds of men had died of the poisoning. Sholei worked to the bone but didn’t give up until she had found a cure. She had hardly slept or ate.

“She’ll pass out from the cold if you don’t see her.” Akima raised a bushy eyebrow.

“You are persistent in advocating for her life, Akima,” Ojore sighed.

“I am only concerned about your well-being, my lord,” Akima confessed.

In the beginning, Akima harbored reservations about Sholei, but he came to learn she was genuine and compassionate and had a heart to aid others. Despite her challenging start at the war camp, she had settled in and developed amicable relationships with the soldiers. Her skills had earned her their respect, Akima included. He would be content if things could progress smoothly between her and Ojore.

“Besides, as the messenger reported, the situation in Keseve is dire. We must send reinforcements before the coalition succeeds in retaking the market.”

“Arrange for every man who can fight to join us. We must hurry to reach Keseve before the coalition drives us out,” Ojore turned from the map. “After tonight, bolster camp security. I won’t tolerate a breach in our safety again. About Sholei, follow my instructions to the letter.” Ojore beckoned him closer and whispered some instructions to him .

“I will see to it.” Akima bowed and left the room.

Outside, Akima encountered Sholei, bundled up in her coat, and rubbing her hands together to stave off the cold.

“May I see him now?” she attempted to bypass him.

”I don’t think that is a good idea.” Akima stretched his hands and blocked her path.

Sholei blinked up at him. “Why not? I’ve upheld my end of the bargain. I found the antidote and stopped deaths in the camp. He promised to release Tula.”

Akima started, but pressed his lips into a thin line.

“I promised you nothing.” Ojore’s quiet voice came from the door. Sholei and Akima turned to see him, his face shrouded in indifference.

“General.” Sholei rushed past Akima to stand before Ojore. “Tula cannot endure another day in that frigid place. Her health is deteriorating fast.” Sholei was barred from visiting her friend in prison without a guard present.

“There has never been a precedent of me sparing a spy before, and I will not start now,” Ojore declared.

“The punishment she received is more than enough. Another day inside that cell, she will cross to the land of the living dead.” Sholei sank to her knees, her voice trembling with urgency.

”She ventured into enemy territory, fully aware of the consequences should she be captured. By keeping her alive until now, I have shown a great degree of mercy.” Ojore crouched before her, his gaze unyielding. The bunched-up cloak on his shoulders made him appear bigger than normal .

“She dared to break into your camp to save me. If you condemn her to death, then condemn me as well.” Sholei matched his ire.

Ojore straightened and took Sholei with him. She stumbled on her steps, his grip firm on her wrist as he dragged her forward.

“Do as I instructed.” He then pulled Sholei inside the tent, but paused before he closed the door. “No one is to disturb me tonight.”

“General…” Akima was filled with concern, but Ojore’s sharp glare silenced any further protest. With a last look at Sholei, Akima retreated from the tent.

“What are you doing?” Sholei panicked at the dark gleam in Ojore’s eyes. She tried to pull free from his hold, but he held tight, his grip unbreakable.

“You are willing to sacrifice yourself for your friend, aren’t you?” With a resolve that sent shivers down her spine, Ojore asked. “Haven’t you learned not to risk your life after Gane?”

“If my death can appease your wrath, so be it,” Sholei whispered. For days, he had ignored her and wouldn’t grant her audience.

“By the time I am through with you, death will seem like a much-welcome relief,” Ojore declared and dragged her across the room and dumped her near the fire pit. She stumbled on the heavy carpet, her head swam, and she grew lightheaded. She cursed herself for skipping meals. Ojore removed his dark coat, and it pooled at his feet next to her. The spark in his eyes grew intense and dread coursed through her veins.

“What are you doing?” Sholei retreated and kept the fire pit between them as a makeshift shield. Ojore advanced toward her with determined strides, and he pulled her to her feet. Sholei screamed and struggled in an attempt to push him away, but he held her close.

“Look at me,” he shouted. “Do you see these scars? Do I look like I fear death?”

“Then you must understand I will die if Tula doesn’t get to live,” Sholei breathed.

“If you die, I will drag you back to life. Escaping my grasp is no easy feat, witch,” Ojore declared. His eyes gleamed orange and reflected the fire burning in the room as his mouth slammed down on hers, hard, hot, and possessive. He shoved her up against the wall and pinned her with his chest while his hands dug into her lush hips, and he held her captive.

Sholei tried to avoid his invasive kiss by turning her head to the side. He wasn’t gentle like before; he meant to punish her, force her to give in. Surrender to his will. She wasn’t going to back down. She bit down on his lower lip, and something inside her came alive, growling in the back of her mind as his blood flowed into her mouth. Ojore groaned and pulled her impossibly closer, doubling his effort. He pushed his tongue past her teeth and tangled it with hers in a dance of force and resistance. The heat of his palms burned through her clothes to her skin. Soon, she returned his kiss with the same ferocity he was giving, her hands entangled inside his locks. Ojore moaned and softened his assault, and his arms traveled to her back, their deathly grip gone. A subtle pain hit the back of her head, as they broke apart, and she came up for much-needed air.

Asaa .

With her entire body, she pushed him off and wiped her mouth where his bruising kiss touched.

Tears welled up in Sholei’s eyes as a sharp pain hit her head again. She gritted her teeth as the image of the sleek snake appeared. Its green eyes haunted her. Why was the image of Asaa attacking her now?

Ojore stood back and balled his fists, his breathing rough. His eyes were the color of burning embers. Sholei decided she would find a way to escape his clutches. She had a plan ready to set into motion if Ojore refused to listen to reason.

“I agree with you, my lord.” She kept her voice steady and her eyes on him. “As a general commanding a large army, you have your considerations. I won’t force you to agree to my terms.” In the flickering firelight, she observed Ojore’s posture shift. His head tilted and his eyes narrowed in suspicion, like he couldn’t believe she surrendered so easily.

“I should acknowledge my position in this camp.” She swallowed. “Aside from my medical skills, there isn’t much I can offer you.”

“Get to your point, witch,” Ojore urged. His gaze softened, and as if in a trance, he approached her again. Sholei tried not to flinch as he traced a finger along her cheek with a gentleness that caught her off guard and left a trail of warmth in its wake. His caress was soft, like the feather of a bird. It reminded her of their journey when she rode Radi and flew with flamingoes several days before. The most carefree days she experienced in her life. She had snuggled against that scar-ridden chest and dreamed of the stars.

Sholei shook her head to eliminate the memories. She couldn’t proceed with her plan if she lost her composure.

“You plan to leave for Keseve. Allow me to share one last meal with you,” Sholei said, selective with her words.

“A meal?” Ojore raised a straight eyebrow.

“You promised to keep me company during mealtimes whenever you are in the camp,” she reminded him. “The past few days have been hectic, but I can spare some time now.”

“I thought you were reluctant to dine with me,” Ojore remarked. His fingers moved down her jaw and encircled her slender neck. Sholei swallowed when he pressed his thumb against her pulse and dragged her close.

“You are leaving, and I don’t know when I’ll see you again. The conflict might take a long time to resolve. Allow me to serve you one last time,” Sholei requested as she gazed deep into his eyes. Ojore’s tongue licked his bottom lip as he stared at her with hunger in his eyes. Sholei willed herself not to release the sound threatening to break from the back of her throat as his heated gaze scorched her.

“Why do you think this will be the last meal that we’ll share?” Her heart pounded with each passing moment. She would be at the end of her wits if he denied her request.

“I don’t know how long this fight will last, or when you will make it back to the camp,” she replied and met his gaze with determination. She concealed her true intentions and hoped he wouldn’t see through her plan.

“Should I repeat myself, Sholei?” He pulled her closer to him, his strong fingers grabbed her waist. The warmth of his chest seeped through her. “You couldn’t escape my grasp even if you tried.” He raised her chin with the pads of his fingers. “I will grant your request, but this won’t be our last meal together.”

Later, Sholei gazed at the small vial she held in her hands. This was her only way out—to incapacitate Ojore and run away. With renewed determination, she approached the table laden with food. Sholei opened the small package and sprinkled the colorless and tasteless liquid onto the bowl of vegetable broth filled with chicken slices, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. She went against her principles, lessons Musembi drilled into her head. If the Imperial Physicians were to learn what she was about to do, she doubted if her admission to the Academy would go through.

She carried the food back to Ojore’s tent, her face cast in stone. Once outside the room, she took a deep breath and reminded herself that what she was about to do was necessary for Tula’s survival.

“You should have let someone else handle that,” Ojore commented as he watched her approach. He sat at the table with his arms folded on his chest, and his dark gaze shifted from her face to the plate on her hands. Sholei hoped the smile on her face would hide her anxiety.

“I wanted to serve you in person,” she replied and placed the platter down before he took a seat on the opposite stool .

“Did you prepare this by yourself?” Ojore examined the display.

“I am a pretty decent cook. Have a taste.” Sholei picked a drumstick and offered it to him. A watery smile danced on her lips as she tried to cover her deception.

“Why are your hands shaking?” he asked, his suspicion evident as he leaned on the table. “Did you poison the food?” His question sent her heart plummeting. Caught. Without breaking her gaze, he used his left hand to pull her seat close to his—the scrape against the floor grated in her ears.

“I wouldn’t dream of harming you.” The lie came through. “I’ll take a bite first.” She proceeded to take a mouthful of the chicken flesh and chewed away.

“If I were to perish, I wouldn’t object to die by your hands.”

He gripped her wrist and fed himself the remaining flesh from the drumstick. He didn’t break from her gaze. Sholei witnessed him swallow with a heavy heart. She had successfully carried out her mission, and there was no turning back. It didn’t matter the amount of poison he consumed; he would be knocked out cold soon after.

“Ever since I was young, I learned the intricacies of various medicines,” Sholei began, her tone even. “Do you know what happens when you become well-versed in healing the human body?”

“Enlighten me,” Ojore prompted her, he didn’t release her wrist.

He tugged the bare bone from her fingers with his teeth and dropped it on the table. He licked her fingers with his tongue, warm and moist, as he lapped up the remaining juices from her soft skin. Sholei’s breath labored as, one by one, her fingers disappeared into his mouth. His warm breath fanned her skin and soared her pulse to new levels.

“You learn how fragile a human is. A well-placed jab and a strong soldier is completely incapacitated.” Sholei said and in an instant Ojore’s hold on her weakened. The poison took effect.

“Are you implying something?” Ojore’s eyes grew heavier. He tried to stay alert, but the drug was already in his body.

“Poison-making is a craft intertwined with the preparation of healing potions,” Sholei explained. Her voice was low and monotonous, emotions wrung out of her.

“You did poison the food!” Ojore chuckled before he slumped against the table. His eyes drifted open and closed, betrayal and anger swirling in the dark depths.

“If I wanted to end your life, you would have met your fate already,” Sholei whispered in his ear. “Just like you, I can choose who lives and dies.”

Ojore grasped her hands. “You… have learned to be ruthless just to get away from me?” he whispered as he shook his head to dispel the sleep.

“I learned from the best.”

“I… could be your… everything if you allowed me, Sholei. I could give you the whole world.” He stammered and stumbled into her, his weight toppling them over. She landed on the thick carpet as his body hovered over hers. His steely arms trembled at his sides as he tried not to pin her with his weight .

“I never wanted what you offered,” Sholei’s voice broke. Seeing him in such a state tore at her heart. Ojore, once mighty and strong, now struggled to hold himself up.

“Is this… how I meet my end?” he asked, his laughter hollow and strained. Sholei tucked an errant lock behind his ear as the bright glow in his eyes dimmed.

“Rest now, my lord,” Sholei whispered. “When you awake, it will all be over.” She fought back tears and willed her heart to be strong. The pounding in her head returned, and it didn’t fade away as usual.

”There… is no place in this world where… you can hide from me… I will always find you.” Ojore’s voice grew fainter with each word. His eyes closed, his breath evened out, and his head fell on her shoulder.

Sholei released a muffled cry and the tears she held back flooded out.

As she lay beneath his body, Sholei wanted to scream to the night. Between betraying Ojore and saving her friend, she chose to rescue Tula and return to Mukuru. Her destiny with the general from Dembe’s southern army ran its course. If they ever crossed paths again, she hoped he would forgive her, but she wouldn’t blame him if he couldn’t.

Sholei eased herself from underneath Ojore and kissed his cool brow. She didn’t fully grasp why she did it, but part of her heart would forever remain with him. She drew his thick robes to his chin and her single tear dropped to his cheek.

Amid tears and a pounding headache, Sholei stumbled outside the room.