Katya & Zolokhan Chapter 2.
Written By Sher Trott-Bailey.
“She was over here,” Kadija told the two princes.
Zolokhan did not know why but he felt very wary of this girl. A frisson of unease passed through his chest while he looked around the tall grassy river banks. Turning around to question the girl some more, he noticed she was gone. He saw Prince Vulcan at the next end of the some shrouds looking around as well.
“This is the only time I can remember that we have ever worked together”. Zolokhan thought to himself. He remembered nothing after that.
Prince Vulcan stood looking down at a bleeding Zolokhan, his heart bursting with glee. His brothers had done even better than expected. He watched the blood ooze and ooze from Zolokhan’s body for a time and then he ran shouting for help.
“Prince Zolokhan has been injured in a rockfall!”
Vulcan shouted.
The Kezmizi teens started to scream, some quickly ran following Vulcan to the Prince’s body, others took off to report to their King and Elders of the tribe.
“What should we do? He is bleeding so much?” The crowd echoed.
“Strip his Gayeta (a shirt-like wrap worn by royalty)” a commanding voice echoed above the noise.
“Chieftess Katya, it’s Chieftess Katya” a hushed reverence descended on the crowd.
Vulcan observed the powerful icon in front of him, he too could feel the waves of quiet authority rolling off the young Chieftess. It was definitely time for him to leave he thought to himself. Trying to blend in among the crowds he slithered between bodies and made his way back to his tribe. He knew he would meet his waiting brothers at the great baobab tree.
Katya did her best to keep her nerves as she checked the Prince’s body for injuries and broken bones. He had a massive gash across his shoulder which caused the stream of blood to trickle onto the river sand.
External wounds did not trouble her, what she needed to ensure was that he was not bleeding from the inside. She needed to get him back to her tribe, the Krufusa herb was the perfect remedy to clean out his insides and stop any bleeding.
“I need four strong men to gently lift and carry him back to my tribe. Also, send a message to the Kezmizi tribe that he is with our tribe. Let’s go” at her swift commands men flew into action.
While the men went on ahead with Zolokhan, Katya looked up at the cliff’s edge, she surveyed the boulder that laid beside the blood. The boulder was halfway covered in wet mud. This did not just roll out, no this was pried out from its earthy nook. She suspected there was foul play. However, now was not the time for inquiry s. With these thoughts in mind, she whistled for her pink elephant and took off behind the four men carrying the Prince’s body.
Pain, why am I in so much pain?” Zolokhan tried to say out loud. It felt like a Wilderbeast had knocked out his shoulder.
He moaned as he felt beads of sweat gather on his forehead. He clenched his jaws to endure the pain, It was all he could do to stop himself from crying from all the tearing, cramping, throbbing pain.
“I have some Shuyae plant, it will numb the pain from the external wounds. This Krufusa drink will gradually numb the pain on the inside and stop any internal bleeding. It is very powerful however given the severity of your injuries, I can only give you in small doses. But I promise you the pain will soon subside.” A soothing voice spoke.
Turning his head to the voice, he saw who it was. Instant peace came over him. It was her. As long as it’s her, i know I will be okay he thought within himself.
“Come, lift up your head and drink. Slowly so as not to open your wounds.” She instructed.
The medicine was harsh and thoroughly bitter but everyone knew of the skill of the Mwebele people in herbal medicine was the best. He felt so tired just by having to exert himself to drink.
“Rest, sleep. Your body is very strong. You’re already healing rapidly. In two weeks time the wound on your shoulders should be completely closed up” Katya said encouragingly
“We will talk when you wake again.” She said softly as she bathed his forehead with a cool wet cloth. Her soothing pats sent him straight to sleep.
Katya marveled at the chiseled beauty before her. She felt intense anger at the thought of the person or people that had plotted to hurt him. Who didn’t know Prince Zolokhan? She had deliberately stayed away from him over the years but that doesn’t mean she had not observed him from afar. After all, he was to be her husband.
At almost thirteen summers she was already considered a young woman. Still it was her choice when she wanted to set their wedding date. She had until she was eighteen.
He really is marvelous, her admiration could not be helped, physically he was the most handsome man that she had ever seen. The three tribes were nomadic and had camps in the middle of the Savannahs, along the sea coast, and in the mountains. The young people frequently went on extended travels to far away comrade tribes to learn and socialize. Yet still, it was Prince Zolokhan’s name that rang out on everyone’s lips. From his magnetic light brown eyes which were uncommon to his cool bronze-colored skin. Chiseled nose and a strong jawline complimented full smooth lips. His hair was long past his shoulders and braided at the sides. He was the pride of his tribe. Sighing, she knew she had to leave him to go and address officials from his of his tribe.
The King had rushed here over two weeks ago to see his son. Though he presented a calm facade when he saw his son, the King looked like he had aged ten years in a few minutes. Katya had to order rooms set up for the King and his Elders along with strengthening tonics to build the King’s stamina. She knew good news of Zolokhan’s rapid recovery was what the King needed to hear.
Going to King Titan’s guest tent, she was quickly announced by his chief servant. Accompanying her was her mentor Chieftess Dedoka.
Taking the opportunity Chieftess Dedoka held Katya’s hand giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Good work my girl” she praised with love and admiration shining in her eyes.
The guard informed them that the King was ready to see them and welcomed them to go inside.
“How is my son now?” The king rushed to ask.
“King, he is recovering excellently. There will be no long-term damages.” Katya responded.
“Are you sure young Chieftess?” The King asked, knitting his brows.
“Yes, I am. What is more pressing is that I believe this was a deliberate attack on Prince Zolokhan” Katya told the King.
At the mention of this the King looked stunned,
“How do you know?” He asked.
The boulder that struck the Prince was lodged deep in the Earth and could only have been pried out. Secondly, it has not rained in three weeks, how could the ground be loose? A further investigation, done quietly may be needed. I leave it to you wise King” Katya concluded.
The King nodded, his demeanor troubled. Sighing he wondered within himself who would dare to try to hurt his son. There had been such years of great peace and prosperity that the thought of someone rebelling felt preposterous. Still, the young Chieftess had put forward some valid points.
I have brought you some more strengthening tonics. These will help you sleep comfortably as well” Katya said.
“Chieftess Dedoka, Young Chieftess you both have saved my son…I am grateful… I thank you for saving my son and for your warm hospitality. The Mwebele tribe continues to live up to its legacy of generosity and skillfulness” King Titan said solemnly.
Chieftess Dedoka responded with a smile and said,
“Your welcome anytime Kezmizi King, please rest. We will take our leave.”
With nodded bows, the two women departed the King’s tent.
Several weeks later a recovered Zolokhan slowly made his way out of his tent. Though he had been to the Mwebele tribe for festivities and meetings, he had never really spent an extended time exploring the vast boundaries of the tribe.
The tribe grounds were very lush. The younger boys were chasing the dogs for fun. Women and men were laughingly going about their farming, cooking, fight training, herding. Some men were laid out on the ground roasting warthog meat. Others were busy making shoes from dried goat leather. Zolokhan saw women weaving silk from silk reeds. On the outskirts men were building new barns for expanding flocks and digging catchment wells in anticipation of the coming thunderstorms.
There was a buzz of excitement and latent contentment in the air of the Mwebele tribe. The excitement he suspected was due to the upcoming festival. The contentment could only come from all the needs of the tribe being met and exceeded.
Walking along he saw an interesting spectacle, hundreds of little boys had gathered around in a circle. Then a slightly older boy would present cows, tamed gazelles and goats in the center of the circle. The surrounding boys would then raise their hands if they wanted to bid or trade for the animals. Zolokhan was astonished that such young children were already traders and owners of livestock.
Seeing some nearby elders, Zolokhan approached them. On seeing the recovered prince the elders smiled warmly, offering him warm goat’s milk and baked cakes. He accepted their natural generosity and filled his very hungry belly. He hadn’t even been given a warning of how hungry he was until the warm sweet cake hit his tongue.
On seeing his obvious enjoyment the Elders chuckled and offered him a whole basket of even more varied cakes and fried dumplings. They replenished his cup with more warm goats milk. He was also offered curried goat meat deliciously seasoned with Mwebele spices.
When his hunger had quenched he struck up a conversation with an Elder that had introduced himself as Porbok.
“ Why, at such a young age, are these boys trading animals?” Zolokhan asked
The Elder replied,
” You already know that only boys are born in our tribe except for the Chieftess. Hence our boys must go out to other tribes to find their wives. They are already at a disadvantage for being strangers to the girls when compared to their own tribesmen. So in an effort to make our boys the most desirable bachelors and future husbands, we start their learning and wealth building from a very young. The Mwebele men are now so renowned for making good husbands that whole families now travel to our tribes seeking marriage for their girls.”
“The boys are given their first set of male and female animals at the age of three. They are expected to multiply their flocks. Their fathers teach them correct techniques for caring for and herding their animals. The boys are encouraged to work together in watching out for predators, watering their animals, and as you see trading for new animals. All this is to build unity and camaraderie amongst them.” Elder Porbok concluded.
“I can feel their excitement even from all the way over here” Zolokhan said.
“Our boys know that the better they are as men the better their choice of spouse. Mwebele boys are also taught by their mothers to cook and maintain cleanliness. When they come of age they are allowed to go on expeditions to our comrade tribes by the sea. Our boys are also excellent dancers and singers.” The Elder concluded.
” The Mwebele men really live up to the saying, ‘laughter and happiness spills from the heart into the lap onto the feet for the woman who marries a Mwebele man,’ Prince Zolokhan remarked.
The Elder chuckled,
“We spread this saying centuries ago to help our men get married and now it is definitely so for the wife of a Mwebele man” Elder Porbok laughed again.
“The people of Mwebele are very wise, Elder Porbok” Zolokhan commented.
“My son Mwebele people believe in using wisdom to prevent hard work, you well know our tribe loves to have festivities,” the Elder said in a light tone.
Zolokhan could only nodd as he took in the knowledge of the Elder.
Soon after saying his goodbyes, the prince felt a little fatigued and decided to return to his tent. He wasn’t surprised to see Katya waiting for him. She usually came at this time, but he was surprised to see her so beautifully dressed today. Her thick hair which was usually tightly bound was set free. Her thick hair curled around her beautiful face. Its deep blackness was nicely oiled and shining. Her clear complexion was shining from her face’s natural oil. Dressed in a soft dress, her feet strapped in luxurious goat skinned slippers and her waist and neck bejewelled she looked all the way a Chieftess.
“Your back, are you tired?” she asked cocking her head to the side.
“A little,” Zolokhan said looking away from her lest his face betrayed his thoughts.
“Your dressed differently today…is there something happening today” Zolokhan asked.
“No, nothing at all. I just felt like dressing up today. This is my usual attire in the camp actually! when I go out on my adventures that’s when I dress less like a chieftess.” Katya smiled and answered.
“However since I like to tend to you myself, I have been dressing less like a chieftess when I’m here. It’s easier to handle anything that may arise from treating you, you know blood, medicines..” Katya carried on answering.
“Come i made a strengthening tonics for you. I would also like to check your shoulder,” Katya said.
“Ahhh, ahhh yes ok” Zolokhan quickly moved towards a seat by the tent door. He knew she loved the cool wind blowing there. She ambled over and gave him the tonic watching him drink. Pleased, she indicated for him to turn his back to her and then his chest. Her nimble fingers squeezed at the skin of his wound.
“What are you checking for? He asked.
“That there is no pus or strange oozing. Also that the skin has sealed nicely together to minimize scarring. Then I will rub on a salve to continue the healing” she said confidently.
“Your very comfortable dealing with wounds even with men.”
Katya raised an ironic eyebrow at his question and chuckled,
” my tribe is predominantly men, except for the married women. There are only lots of little boys and young men, I’m bound to encounter wounds. Plus there’s a lot of practice to be had on our animals too” she said sweetly. He could hear the amusement in her tone.
Having finished her task. She moved away to gather her things. When she turned around she found him watching her.
“I wonder what he is thinking” she thought.
“She is still so young but so capable.” he thought.
“Young Prince your now fit for travel, you may stay in the Mwebele tribe for as long as you want to or if you wish our men can carry you back to your tribe whenever you desire,” she said.
“What do you want, Do you want me to stay, or do you want me to go?
Zolokhan didn’t know why but he found himself slipping these words out of his mind to his mouth.
She paused for a moment and looked at him steadily. With the slightest grin she said
“I want you to stay” and walked out.
He grinned from ear to ear at her response. His heart beat spiking. As he laid down in the bed, he slept the sweetest sleep he had ever slept in a long time.
Walking really fast, Katya could not believe she had really told him her mind. Her face was so hot, she had to get out of there because she didn’t want to see his expression at her answer.
“Katya, Katya my daughter I have finally found you” Magoba, Katya’s mother frantically ran up to her.
Katya smiled and lovingly hugged her mother.
“Why are you looking for me now mama?
Knowing her mom it was some news or other she had heard from the “aunties” in the camp.
“Katya I know you are the Chieftess but still you need to be careful, why must you be so brave all the time? Acidah was just telling me about you diving into the swirl pool. Why can’t you be more ladylike like Lakma who just married into our tribe? That girl is so soft and nice.” Magoba accused.
Sometimes Katya wondered how her mom had become like this. Fearful all the time and always critical of her behavior. It felt like the more her mom got closer with these women friends, “the Aunties”, the less loving she had become. It all started three years ago when these four women befriended her mom and she took them into her confidence.
At almost thirteen summers she was no fool. She had intuition and discernment. She felt within herself that these women did not like her. Oh they pretended well and we’re never blatantly disrespectful in any way. However they never missed a chance to comment and make little digs. They were also compassionless towards her. When she was ten she had fallen from a tree and broke her arm, she remembered how painful she had felt.
One day her mother asked Acidah to watch over her and give her pain medicine when she needed it. Katya remembered calling out in pain for hours before Acidah looked in on her. Then she lied that she had not heard Katya. She then proceeded to accidentally spill the medicine leaving only a few drops for Katya.
Another one of the Aunties named Kimyah that her mom proclaimed to be so nice, once cut a whole patch out of the side of Katya’s hair claiming that too was an accident. The other two Maxine and Shaina, Katya believed she practiced witchcraft in secret. This was a huge crime in the tribe but Katya had no proof yet. She did not wish to worry her old mentor Chieftess Dedoka so for years she kept many of her insights to herself. In time she would deal with the “Aunties”
“Mother I am the Reigning Chieftess of the Mwebele tribe, never you forget that. Courage is in me and I can be no other way nor do I want to!” Katya spoke pointedly and boldly to her mother
“yes, but do you have to be such a show off‘ her mother’s true feelings echoed.
“I thought you were worried for my safety but out of your own mouth there is resentment wrapped up with a rebuke,” Katya stated.
“A blazing inferno cannot hide itself mother, say hello to Father for me. I will return to the Chieftess tent.” With that Katya angrily stalked away from Magoba.
Later on, that night as she laid down to sleep, she dreamt of the young prince. Thoughts of him filled her with happy feelings, made her feel hot and smiley.
