chapter 3: who was he?

Sheshije laid on her bed with her eyes wide open. sleep was far from her. The portal to the dream land seemed to have been closed without allowing her through.

Her thoughts were smeared with the sweet scent of the man she had earlier met at the stream. ' who was that man? is he a human being really? how can a person be that strong? his features are too cute for a human' she couldn't help wondering.

In the midst of her thoughts she eventually drifted to sleep.

all of a sudden she saw herself in a foreign land. She turned to look at her strange surroundings , she was stunned to see herself in a linen which was totally different from what is worn by the ukadama people and the Tubheta empire at large. Two women carrying water pots on their heads walked past her, they were wearing the same outfit as her. 'just where on earth am I? ' she wondered. suddenly she felt a hand on her tender shoulders, followed by a hoarse voice whispering close to her ears, " my queen, my heart. let me hold you in my arms forever. I can give up everything including the entire empire just for you my love.. co... ahh!" before he could finish talking he was shot by an arrow which pierced his stomach so deep... Sheshije was shocked with everything unfolding in front of her very eyes. falling down to his knees the strange man shouted in agony " Run my queen! my love run!"

Sheshije sprung up from her bed panting. her heart was thumping so hard threatening to pop out any moment. her eyes went wide in shock as the incident registered itself fully on her mind. ' No! it can't be him! ho.. how am I connected with him? where was that place? or was it because all I have been thinking about before I fall to sleep was him ? ' She was very sure that the man in the dream was seghete, though she hadn't seen his face clearly but the voice was his!

The sun shone brightly across the ukadama land, different kinds of birds huming melodiously to their maker, Izubha. expressing their gratitude for a new day. the act of gratitude was not only done by the birds but also the Tubheta people across the lands bordering the highest mountain of the Alkebulan continent.

Sheshije's father stood at the center of the yard he was holding a calabash full of honey on his right hand and another one full of milk on his left. Beside him was his wife and Noshi their elder son. he chanted some words of thanksgiving to his ancestors and Izubha the God of the people of the Tubheta empire.

after the morning enchantments had been done to appease the forefathers and also Izubha, God of the Tubheta people, the family gathered for a breakfast meal of porridge and boiled plantains.

Sheshije was still battling with the confusion in her mind about the dream she had, as if that was not enough to ruin her day, her father's voice echoed in the hut,

"Sheshije, prepare your self for the village priestess and the chief maiden of the palace, they will be here by midday to take you through the royal education as you know you are soon going to be the queen of the ukadama kingdom. "

the little appetite she had garnered to enable her have her Breakfast in peace was immediately snatched by her ever annoying father.

she with stood her slender body shaking with an unexplainable amount of rage, she strode to the door only to be frozen by the faces she almost bumped into.

"we are sorry my lady we have just arrived and I was about to make an announcement for the arrival of his Majesty I didn't mean to block your path" the guard blurted out in order to save himself from the awkward situation surrounding them.

The king cleared his throat, Sheshije was forced to come out of her daze and hurriedly curtsied to him. " Your majesty, p-please pardon my clumsiness iam sorry " she spoke with uneasiness.

" Rise child, may the forefathers bless you,,it is well with you. Actually it is me who has come uninvited and unannounced. " The king spoke apologetically.

At this point Her entire family were already at the 'scene' to also give their greetings to the King.

Being the ever outgoing man he was,, Sheshije's father quickly bowed and answered, " Your majesty we are under your control, our home is yours to visit at anytime you dim fit. "

Sheshije could only curse internally at his father's nature of licking the king's feet.

After some little conversation with the family concerning the upcoming wedding with shall hence forth join the two families for eternity, the king excused himself as he just happened to pass by near their home hence he saw it necessary to check on his future in laws.

Contrary to his son's demeanor, His highness the king was a wise and polite man. He believed that all human beings deserved to be respected irregardless of their social status.

He had been admiring Sheshije's strong and uncompromising character when she was just but a young girl the time even her chest had start to form her now beautiful peaks.

It was during one of the village meetings when her mother had brought her along, she had wanted to greet the king and sit on his lap but her mother could have none of that. The poor girl had wailed with the highest voice she could raise from her vocals, disrupting the peaceful meeting until her request was considered.