Chapter 22: From the mountain like Moses
Darius stood at the summit, feeling the raw power coursing through him. The wind blew through his long white hair, and his white robes with golden accents fluttered gently.
He took a deep breath, savouring the crisp mountain air, then began his descent.
With each step, the earth seemed to respond to him. The ground beneath his feet felt alive, as if recognizing the immense power he carried.
Rocks shifted slightly, creating a stable path for him to walk. The plants around him leaned towards him, their leaves and branches brushing against his robes as if in reverence.
As he moved further down, the air warmed and the sounds of the forest grew louder. Birds chirped more melodiously, and animals paused to watch him pass.
There was a sense of harmony, a connection between Darius and the world around him. He could feel the pulse of the earth, the ancient rhythms resonating with his own energy.
Darius walked with purpose, each step deliberate and steady. He didn't rush, taking the time to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding him. The power within him was immense, but he controlled it with ease, channelling it into a calm, steady presence.
The descent was long, but Darius didn't tire. The power he had unlocked sustained him, filling him with a vitality he hadn't felt in ages. He reached the lower slopes of the mountain, where the trees grew denser and the sounds of wildlife were more prominent. The ground here was softer, covered in a thick layer of leaves and moss.
As he walked, he noticed how the earth seemed to respond even more visibly. Flowers bloomed as he passed, and the air felt charged with energy.
Darius smiled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. The journey had been worth it.
He continued his descent, moving towards the forest where he had once found the injured panther pup, Zuri. The path was familiar, but now it felt different.
Every step he took was a reminder of the power he held and the responsibilities that came with it. The world awaited him, and Darius was ready to embrace it fully.
Darius moved through the dense forest with purpose. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage, alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls.
He walked with an easy grace, his steps light yet purposeful. The forest seemed to part for him, branches bending slightly and undergrowth shifting to create a clear path.
He felt a deep connection with everything around him, the life energy of the forest resonating with his own.
As they neared the spot where Darius had first found Zuri, the pup seemed to recognize the place, pausing and sniffing the air. The clearing was peaceful, untouched by the chaos of the outside world. Darius and Zuri stood there for a moment, the pup's curious eyes scanning the familiar surroundings.
"Looks like we've come full circle, Zuri," Darius said softly, reaching down to scratch behind the pup's ears. Zuri purred in response, leaning into his touch.
Darius continued on, his senses heightened. He could hear the distant murmur of a stream, the rustle of small creatures in the underbrush, the song of birds high above. Every detail was vivid, every sensation amplified by his unlocked power.
He reached a clearing, the same place where he had rescued Zuri. It was peaceful, untouched by the chaos of the outside world. Darius paused for a moment, taking it all in.
"My sisters would have loved it here," he thought, a small smile playing on his lips.
He moved on, leaving the clearing behind. His journey was far from over, and there was much to explore and understand.
The forest grew denser as he ventured deeper, the light dimming under the thick canopy. The sounds of the forest changed, becoming more muted and distant.
As he walked, Darius couldn't help but think of the people he had met and the places he had seen.
The path eventually led him to the edge of the forest, where the trees thinned and the landscape opened up. He could see the rolling hills of Wakanda stretching out before him, a testament to the land's enduring beauty and strength.
Darius paused at the forest's edge, looking out over the horizon. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the landscape. He felt a deep sense of peace, a connection to the world that was both profound and humbling.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rolling hills, Darius continued his journey back to the palace. The path before him was familiar, yet everything felt different now. His senses were heightened, every detail more vivid and alive.
He moved with purpose, his long white robes and flowing hair catching the fading light. The journey through the forest had rejuvenated him.
The palace, with its majestic spires and intricate architecture, stood in the distance, a beacon of civilization amidst the wild beauty of Wakanda.
As he approached the palace gates, the guards stationed there straightened, their eyes widening in astonishment. Darius nodded to them, acknowledging their presence. They stood frozen for a moment, then quickly saluted, their faces a mix of shock and awe.
Entering the palace grounds, Darius was greeted by the familiar sight of the lush gardens and intricate pathways. The air was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the sounds of distant conversations and laughter reached his ears.
It was a stark contrast to the serene solitude of the mountains and forests he had just left behind.
He made his way through the gardens, passing by courtiers and palace staff who paused mid-step, their mouths agape.
Their expressions were a mixture of curiosity and disbelief, sensing the profound change in him. Darius responded with warm smiles and nods, appreciating their acknowledgment.
As he entered the grand hall, the opulence of the palace struck him anew. The high ceilings, adorned with intricate carvings and golden accents, the polished marble floors, and the elegant furnishings.
Darius headed toward the throne room, where he knew the royal family would be gathered. The heavy wooden doors opened before him, and he stepped inside.
The room was filled with light, the golden hues of the setting sun streaming through the large windows.
T'Challa, Shuri, and Queen Ramonda were seated at a large table, discussing matters of state. Their conversation halted abruptly as they looked up and saw Darius.
Shuri's face turned from a serious expression to one of sheer amazement, while T'Challa and Ramonda both froze, their eyes wide with shock.
"Darius," T'Challa said, his voice filled with disbelief. "Is that really you?"
"It is," Darius replied, his voice steady and calm. "I have returned."
Shuri stood up, her eyes locked onto him, her mouth slightly open. "You look... different," she stammered, unable to tear her gaze away from his glowing eyes and the faint aura of energy that surrounded him.
"I am different," Darius acknowledged. "Thought it was time I tried to at least do my job"
T'Challa and Ramonda exchanged stunned glances, a mixture of awe and incredulity on their faces. "We felt something extraordinary," Ramonda said, her voice almost a whisper. "The whole of Wakanda felt it."
Darius nodded. "It was a necessary step."
Shuri looked at him with wide eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "We trust you, Darius. But please, be careful with this power."
Darius smiled, a gentle, reassuring smile. "I will. It is a part of me now, but I am still the same."
T'Challa stood and walked over, his steps hesitant, as if approaching a vision. He placed a hand on Darius's shoulder, his eyes searching Darius's face. "We are grateful for your presence and your power."
The royal family resumed their conversation, including Darius in their discussions. The topics ranged from governance to plans for the future.
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[And done!!! Now we finally move from Wakanda. Time to meet new people and do what this book is about, judgement. This chapter was boring to write honestly, not really much of a literature fan.]