Though today, today I will be resurrected. I will show face to my brothers and deliver the message, I live! The death spoken upon me has been lifted. I live and Adonai has anointed me and I will reign.
I entered the ordnance room and saw that Aella left out my triton. She saw the future in the bones. It’s not often that I hold my triton, or wield its power, but today was a new beginning, the start of a new thing. I had not entered the kingdom in years, but today I would and claim what has always been mine.
Trailing my finger along the gold power, she sparked a glow of sovereignty—she’s missed my touch. As I stroked her like a missed love, embraced the old connection and felt her surround me in glory. Strength beat in my chest and I thrust myself into the depths of the water.
I am King! I thought and there was nothing Aarif or Minkah could do, I would have my throne.
Chapter 7
Hanan
I hid in the sea forest I had to be careful, even though there were no guards at the gate—anyone could pass without question. No one was protecting the city. Even worse no one was keeping the city. The gold on the gate, was dull and tarnished, plagued with green sea sickness. I could only imagine what it looked like inside Tahirah.
100 years…I thought to myself. I’ve been banished 100 years. Why hadn’t I returned sooner?
I moved forward, opposed and filled with rage. I would not kill Aarif today. Though he would meet his fate. Chike trusted me to care for our people and Aarif interceded on his own behalf and completely destroyed the kingdom. Father would be so disgusted. Though soon, soon life would fill Tahirah and we will thrive and prosper again.
The weed farm, just outside the gate was still tended. The hands below were diligent at work. The weed was used to make covers for the body—I could use new covers. More hands passed their green sacks slung over their backs—scavengers also passed, they gathered food to sell, like, crustacean, eel, royal gramma…The eel was a delicacy, as was the great. Only those with enough skill could capture the great, only a few were capable and if caught the reward was enough to feed a family for a time.
I decided to stop and trade for new covers. Aella and I could use them. Neither one of us were any good at weaving covers. My hair hung down over my left cheek, hiding my royalty. The royal had pieces of seashell pressed into the skin. Mine was pressed into the left side of my face, over my cheek.
I entered the market. It was off to the edge of the city. Long flat stones were set up with goods displayed—flower decorations, body decorations, weapons, new creations, stone figures, covers and food. A guard lazily sat at the end of the souk, picking his teeth with an old fish bone.
Painted on large woven pieces of weed, were solid lines with the Tahiran colors—purple, gold and silver. They were spread along the whole of the market, hanging on sticks. In the middle of each piece of weed, was a silhouette of Aarif’s face outlined in black. He was so clearly arrogant, Bomani’s face was to be on the flag, not his—Bomani was the first of our kind.
I began to drift deeper into the market, being sure to keep my head low. A few rock fish swam by with their hard brown faces. They had a little antenna that stretched from the top of their heads, and stopped in the middle of their faces with a little dim light, that dangled in front of their eyes, lighting their path as they went. One turned and snapped at me, with its nasty yellow and jagged teeth that protruded outside of its mouth.
My feet finally touched the floor and I stood before a maid. Her hair was dreaded to her waist with shells, snapped at the ends. She was young, and beautiful—staring back at me with dark eyes. Her face was pleasant and she smiled gently. “I will trade you meat of a great, for four mer and four maid.” I reached with my mind so that she would hear me.
“Great? For Covers?” Her mind touched me and her eyes lit up. She eagerly gathered what I asked and accepted the meat of the great. “Thank you,” she smiled and humbly bowed her head. “Wait.” She reached behind her to a stone laid with body decorations and handed me one made with red sponge. “For your Maid. May her womb multiply.” Red sponge was said to be a sign of fertility, but it has failed my people for years. There was no sign of new life here. No laughter or crying from young mer. No troubling youth, making the life of guards more difficult. It was silent and all I saw when I looked around were my people getting older, growing…smaller in numbers. I saw death.
“Have you been blessed with birth?” I asked.
“No.” Her eyes dimmed and saddened. “Once I thought, but it was not.”
“One day…Thank you.” I placed the goods in my sack and pushed off, leaving the market floor.
As much as I wanted to explore the city, I did not think I could stand to see the sight of death among my people. Dead animal carcasses, dead flower beds, even the land suffered the curse. Brown was all I saw. No green, blue or pinks. Just brown, and when the brown was gone, there was one color left and that was black.
Tahirah once bloomed with flowers, with life. The lack of bloom only meant that the flower hands, had to travel further to gather, for what decorated the homes and city walls. Their safety was at stake, I wondered how many have not returned.
I stared up at the walls, and all the holes in the rock, decorated with flowers and colorful coral—had to be thousands of flowers that needed to be replaced each week. At least Tahirans held pride in their homes—though they had to travel far outside the walls of the city to find such beauty to decorate their dwellings. Tahirans have always been a prideful people.
I hid behind a rock just at the foot of the palace. I removed my triton, it was strapped to my back. The palace was separate from the commoner homes and was not decorated with flowers or coral.
I kicked off from the sea floor and slowly ascended. My heart raced as everything I was about to do came rushing into my mind. This was it. This was the day I would be born again.
As I was faced with the palace wall the pearly iridescent color—purple, pink, orange, green—reflected off the water diamonds that littered the water. At least the palace was kept, I thought, but of course Aarif would never live in filth. In his eyes he was worthy.
As the wall glistened, the commands of Adonai came alive—I ran my hand across the smooth stone still full of glory and power. The first command read;
1. In everything be faithful
2. Always keep your brother
3. Be patient and you will lack nothing
4. Remain humble in spirit and my wrath you shall not know
5. Above all be diligent in love, for it will keep you perfect in My sight
I closed my eyes to listen, I pushed my hand forward to touch the wall. Power began to seep past my skin and into my body. There was so much of it—my body shook as it drank the living force that began to surround me, filling me with heat. I wanted to stay, I didn’t want to go—as soon as I removed my hand the power would leave me. It was clear that Adonai’s authority was not being used, it couldn’t, the king hadn’t been here to wield it. I’d been gone too long.
I continued upward, through the water and wondered if I just sat in my seat would my power be fully restored? And He answered me saying, “yes, and your brothers too, you are connected. When you are weak, they too are weak, when you are strengthened they too are strengthened. There is only one way to severe the bond and only one way to heal your people, My people. The prophecy must be fulfilled.”
I was close to the entrance now and as I gripped the triton it glowed brightly—it hadn’t seen action in a long time. I pushed myself through the water, as fast and hard as I could and emerged high through the entrance (a hole in the rock), landing with grace on bended knee, holding the triton in front of me. I waited to be greeted by guards, and when that didn’t happen, I stood up and cautiously made my way through the hall. Side stepping while inching my forward, I let my free hand feel the wall as I went.
Pearl filled the inside of the kingdom. A flow of water trickled down from the ceiling along the walls and washed over my fee
t as I defensively moved advanced. I followed the trail of shells embedded in the smooth floor—they led to the throne room.
The atrium was glowing, with almost a disturbing amount of white light. The crystals (crystals lit every cave, and the entire kingdom) that lit the atrium have always been harsh on sensitive eyes. It was empty, and still there were no guards. Aarif was never a coward, only a deceiver—this was bold even for him, or maybe since the curse he imagined none would attack. There was nothing to take but dying souls.
I walked on, head low so that my hair remained over the sign. The flips of my feet slapped against the rock softly echoing a wet sound throughout the palace. I clutched my triton, as I heard the whispers of cold hearts—one was near and I was ready for my plan to transpire, ready to defend myself.
“Bottom Feeder, you have no place here.” The guard, big as a sea beast, stepped from a gap in the rock—it was a mystery to me how he fit in such a small place. The beast poked me with his spear. His covers lined with silver were ragged—Aarif, what was he doing here? None of my guards would ever look un-kept.
I lowered my eyes, “I have dealings with your king.” The guard laughed boldly calling out to another guard—I barely sensed this unseen guard, because his heart was pure among the many evil ones that whispered to me.
“Rashidi, did you hear? He has dealings with our king.” He stabbed me hard with his spear, “from what sea have you come?”
“I am Tahiran.”
“Then he is your king as well and don’t forget it! Now get out of here. Go!” This time shoving me with his hand.
I took in a deep breath and said, “I have something that may interest Aarif and Minkah.” I cursed myself for mentioning Minkah and prepped my mind for the possible attack and maybe even death.
“You use his name Bottom Feeder? Arrogance does not go far with the king. Go, before my mercy runs dry and your head finds way to my spear.” He grunted what I took to be some sort of laugh.
“That is true, arrogance is Aarif’s crown. Anyway, I have this.” I held up the gleaming triton. With hungry eyes, the beast reached for her, I twisted it in my hand up above my head hiding it behind my back, forcing the palm of my free hand into his chest.
“You. Are not worthy. Take me to Aarif.”
“So what is this? You come here bearing the triton once held by the dead King Hanan…what, do you think the King will reward you, maybe call you a hero? Give it here!” I caught his spear before it struck me and broke it in two. I flung my hair back revealing my face. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way, but there was only so much I, the king, could tolerate.
“You dare disobey your king? You attempt my life? Take me to Aarif before I rip your head off!” Anger burned in my chest.
“Hanan…?” Disbelief froze the guard in place.
“Now!” Another guard emerged from a crack, my guess was Rashidi. He fell to one knee wisely and acknowledged my power. His short dreads dangled over his brown face. He glanced up once, piercing me with his honest eyes. “Master.” He conceded. “They said you were dead…”
“Damn, what they say. Take me to Aarif.”
“Don’t, he is not in authority! Rashidi, go for help! Alert everyone, go now!”
“I was ordained king, never Aarif. Guess what that makes me?” I ripped his head off before he thought to answer. “King.” Blood filled my hands and it felt good, invigorating. I gazed at the red, and slipped into its deepness. Inhaling the thick scent of death. I watched the guards life drip from my fingers. His blood was tainted with his past impurities. It wasn’t my choice to end his life, but I made it mine. He didn’t deserve to know life.
I caught the sight of Rashidi, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
“Why are you watching me?” I growled. “Take me to Aarif!”
“Yes. Yes.” He spun on his heel and I forced Enya at his back.
“Drop your weapon.” It clattered against the rock.
“I’m on your side.” He whispered. “There is a rebellion…”
“Walk.” I pushed the young mer forward.
We came to an entrance, I recognized, it was once mine. The Altar Quarters.
“He is there. Aarif.” He pointed further down the tunnel, “in the Throne Room.”
Before he could do anything more, I caught him at his throat and brought him up, inches from my face, I whispered. “How many?”
“Many?”
“In this rebellion?”
“Oh, yes, about 200 hundred, but we gain more each time. None of us believed you were dead. Aarif is no king, but most fear to oppose him. I, I, cant believe you are here Lord.” His eyes widened. “Wait till they hear.”
“If you are truly on my side, spread word of my return. In a span, meet my servant in the Bahitian Forest.”
“Bahitian Forest?”
“Bahitian Forest. Now go for help.”
“For help?”
“Yes, I need you to remain in the palace. You will continue to serve Aarif, till my return. Act as if you’d gone for help. Go!”
I passed under the threshold. The quarter was just a wide open space, with two large stone figures of Aarif. He sat between the figures with maids on either side of him and lazily at his feet. What? Did I believe he would be doing some sort of work? Some good for the kingdom? He belonged in the Wasteland.
He showed weakness in character. An impious fool. His pride rotted his mind, making him careless and callous for the good of the city. What has he gained here? Little power and even less respect from surrounding mer cities. The death of our people didn’t disturb him. He has prospered only in arrogance. No compassion touched me, only hate for the…king, dear brother.
He sat there a fool. Oblivious to his downfall. He clicked his fingers and the maids began to rub him, his hands his flippers his back... This is what he did with the power he so desperately sought out? Betrayed his father for? No trace of my father in him, yet somehow his appearance was uncanny to Chike. Disgusting.
To see my crown sat on top of his head as if it belonged there...it only encouraged me further. White and gleaming it sat there, with a beautiful pearly essence, and the purple stone of wisdom and spirit, (Aarif lacked both) embedded in the center. Chike meant for me to wear the Crown of Adonai.
Minkah, was nowhere in sight? Young brother, your time is short too, I thought. For now I need you to remain wherever you are. I only had strength to deal with one at a time. I slid between one of the cracks in the rock.
“I come bearing a message!” My voice travelled throughout the quarter.
“Who speaks? Show face.” His voice was smooth and calm—fear never pressed him.
“Adonai…”
“Adonai does not reign here. Show face…Guards?” I knew he rose to his feet, though his voice remained even. “Find Minkah.” I heard him say, it was time to show face and make my message quick.
“Yes…bring our brother. I am dying to see him.” I emerged from my crack holding my triton defensively. Aarif was clean and neat, as I looked kept, but wild. My covers were tattered. “Please, brother, have a seat. But…not mine.” My hand shook holding the fervor of power, it violently burned as energy was released and Aarif went hurtling into the furthest wall, trembling the quarter. Small rocks sprinkled from above, making light noises against the floor.
It had been years since I’ve used any strength other than my physical. The bewildered look on his face…how could I not laugh? It had been so long…to know I still held power over him, was elixir for my banished soul.
He slowly found his way to stand again, pushing his long dreads out of his face. He was the more handsome out of the three. He appeared more powerful, with his bold features, dark skin, wide nose and sharpened cheekbones. His deep brow furrowed down over his eyes. His massive arms flexed. He seemed powerful, but looks are deceiving and so were his eyes.
Aarif’s royal sign was on the right side of his cheek, mine on my left. Minkah’s sign was worn on the
bridge of his nose. Together we were the Trinity of the Sea. Were. We could never work together so the trinity was no more. We were to rule three of the seas plus the whole of the Atlantic, but our rule was overthrown by the Mer of Medit years after Aarif took seat. In time, I would take back what belonged to Tahirah.
Gold cuffs on Aarif’s wrist, lit up. The word “Authority” appeared. He raised his hand and as anger found its way into his eyes, his hands balled up trembling in fury, and snapped open. The force he released hit me in my stomach, knocking the air from me. I choked on the breath I inhaled, and crotched over trying to catch it. I straightened up and sent my triton at him, hoping to severe his head, he caught her. The pain in my belly pulsed and I keeled over, coughing up blood. I hadn’t felt that power in years, it almost felt good, except that it hurt.
“My crown, please?” I said through the burn of my core. I beckoned the crown with two twitches of my fingers. I caught her, and placed my beloved on my head, “and Enya.” I held my hand open and she returned.
The anger in his face, raged, his eyes were brown flames. “SOMEONE bring my triton and MINKAH!” The room trembled. He looked so much like Father, it sickened me. I hated that he favored Chike, though he was dumb as a sea slug. How could he be so unworthy?
“Now my message…” I coughed, wiping blood from my lips. I glanced over at the cowering maids, who took refuge behind my seat. “My vengeance is not with you, you may go, speak of my return. Hanan, I am King.” I smiled and nodded. I had to leave my mark. People needed to speak about this, fill my name with even more life.
Aarif’s eyes fumed. I met his gaze, and for once I thought I saw fear slithering behind his arrogance. Maybe he knew this day would come, but had he expected it so soon? No. I was sure when he woke this morning he did not expect me, dear brother, to show up and reclaim the seat.
“Still compassionate I see?” His fathomless laugh pricked the hairs on my neck. “Hanan. I am King.” He smiled cunning, slowly walking toward me arms swinging carelessly.
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