The morning sun broke through the canopy of trees, casting long beams of light across the village of Umudike. In the early hours, the villagers were already at work—women drawing water from the well, farmers tending to their fields, and children running through the streets with the unrestrained energy of youth. But beneath the surface of this ordinary day, there was a quiet tension, a sense that something was coming. The elders had returned from the Oracle the night before, and word of the prophecy had spread like wildfire.
Adanna sat in the central courtyard of the palace, her thoughts still lingering on the previous night's events. She had barely slept, her mind replaying the Oracle's words over and over again: A child born of the earth… marked by the spirits… destined to bring either salvation or ruin.
Her fingers absentmindedly traced the intricate carvings on the wooden bench she sat on, but her mind was far away. The Oracle had spoken of a great change, but she had also singled Adanna out, her cryptic words leaving an unsettling weight on her chest. What did it mean that the spirits had marked her?
"Adanna," a voice called, pulling her from her thoughts. It was Nkem, one of her closest friends and the daughter of the high priest. She approached with a knowing look in her eyes, her hands clasped in front of her.
"You look troubled," Nkem said as she sat beside her. "I heard about the prophecy… and that you were there when it was spoken."
Adanna sighed, her eyes still distant. "I couldn't stay away. I needed to hear it for myself, but now that I have… I don't know what to make of it."
Nkem gave her a sympathetic smile. "The spirits rarely speak plainly. Their messages are often meant to confuse, to test us. But whatever it is they've marked you for, you'll be ready. You've always been stronger than anyone gives you credit for."
Adanna met her friend's eyes, feeling a swell of gratitude. Nkem had always been a calming presence in her life, a grounding force when the weight of her responsibilities felt too heavy to bear. But today, even Nkem's reassuring words couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that had taken root in her heart.
"I wish I knew what it meant," Adanna said quietly. "If this prophecy is about me, or if it's about someone else… someone out there." She gestured toward the village beyond the palace walls. "How can I protect the kingdom if I don't even understand the danger?"
Nkem placed a hand on Adanna's arm, squeezing gently. "You don't have to understand everything right now. The answers will come in time. For now, just trust that the spirits have a plan, even if it's not clear to us yet."
Adanna nodded, though the uncertainty still lingered. She wasn't used to feeling so powerless, so lost. But she couldn't deny the truth of Nkem's words. The spirits worked in mysterious ways, and trying to predict their will was like trying to catch the wind.
Still, there was one thing she knew for certain—whatever path the spirits had set before her, she would walk it. And she would do so with the same strength and determination that had carried her this far.
The Call of the Spirits
In a small clearing near the edge of the forest, Alozie sat cross-legged on the ground, his mind still spinning from the dream—or vision—he had experienced the night before. The images had been so vivid, the voice so real, that even now, hours after waking, he could still feel the weight of the words hanging over him.
The path of the gods… or the path of men.
Alozie had never considered himself a particularly spiritual man. He had respected the gods and the spirits, as all in Umudike did, but they had always felt distant, far removed from his daily struggles. But now… now it seemed the spirits had chosen him for something greater. And he had no idea why.
He had kept the vision to himself, unsure of what it meant or what to do with it. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he couldn't ignore it. The spirits had reached out to him for a reason, and whether he liked it or not, he was now caught up in whatever was unfolding in Umudike.
A soft rustling of leaves caught his attention, and Alozie looked up to see Olaedo approaching, her bow slung across her back and a curious look on her face.
"You've been avoiding me," she said, her tone light but laced with concern.
Alozie managed a small smile. "I've been… thinking. A lot happened last night."
Olaedo sat beside him, her brow furrowing as she studied his face. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I can see it in your eyes. Something's changed."
Alozie hesitated, unsure of how to explain the strange vision. But Olaedo had been his friend for years, and if there was anyone he could trust with this, it was her.
"I had a dream," he began slowly, "but it wasn't just a dream. I think the spirits spoke to me."
Olaedo's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't interrupt. She listened carefully as Alozie recounted the vision—the storm, the figure in the light, the crackling earth, and the voice that had spoken to him.
When he finished, Olaedo was silent for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the ground.
"That's… a lot," she finally said, her voice soft but serious. "The spirits don't usually speak to commoners like us. If they've reached out to you, there must be a reason."
Alozie nodded, his expression troubled. "But what reason? I'm no one important. I'm not a warrior or a leader. I'm just… me."
"Maybe that's exactly why they chose you," Olaedo said, her eyes locking onto his. "The prophecy from the Oracle—it spoke of someone born of the earth. That could be you, Alozie."
The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning. Could the prophecy truly be about him? The idea seemed absurd, impossible even. And yet, the vision… the voice… the strange sense that he was on the cusp of something far greater than himself…
Alozie shook his head. "I don't want to be a part of any prophecy. I just want to take care of my family, live a quiet life."
Olaedo smiled sadly. "Sometimes we don't get to choose, Alozie. Sometimes the path chooses us."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with truth. Alozie felt the weight of the spirits pressing down on him, urging him forward even as he resisted.
"Whatever this is," Olaedo continued, her voice steady, "you won't have to face it alone. I'll be with you. We'll figure it out together."
Alozie looked at her, gratitude swelling in his chest. In that moment, he realized just how lucky he was to have a friend like Olaedo—someone who believed in him, even when he didn't believe in himself.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "I don't know what's coming, but… I'm glad you're with me."
Olaedo grinned, her usual mischievous spark returning. "Of course. Who else is going to make sure you don't get yourself killed?"
Despite the seriousness of their conversation, Alozie laughed, the tension in his chest easing just a little. For now, the weight of the prophecy could wait. He wasn't alone, and that made all the difference.
The Throne of Umudike
In the great hall of the palace, Eze Nnobi sat on his throne, the weight of his crown pressing heavily on his brow. The council had gathered before him, their voices a low murmur as they discussed the implications of the Oracle's prophecy. The air was thick with tension, and though Nnobi kept his expression calm, his mind was racing.
The prophecy had been vague, but its message was clear enough: change was coming, and it would not come peacefully.
One of the councilors, a man named Udochukwu, stepped forward, his voice cutting through the murmur of the room. "Your Majesty, we must act swiftly. The prophecy speaks of a child born of the earth—someone who could threaten your rule. We cannot afford to be complacent."
Eze Nnobi raised a hand, silencing the room. "We will not act out of fear, Udochukwu. The spirits have spoken, but their message is not yet clear. Until we know more, we will continue to rule as we always have—with wisdom and caution."
"But what if the prophecy is about your daughter?" another councilor asked, his voice hesitant. "The Oracle's words seemed… directed at her."
Nnobi's gaze hardened. "My daughter is not a threat to this kingdom. She is loyal, and she has no desire for power."
"Even so," Udochukwu pressed, "we must be vigilant. The prophecy could mean the rise of a new ruler, one who is not of royal blood. If that happens…"
Eze Nnobi's hand tightened on the armrest of his throne. He knew all too well what would happen. The kingdom would descend into chaos, as factions formed and blood was spilled in the struggle for power. He could not let that happen.
"Find this child of the earth," Nnobi ordered, his voice cold and commanding. "Whoever they are, we must learn their identity before it is too late."
The councilors nodded, their expressions grim. The hunt had begun, and soon, the kingdom would be swept into the storm of prophecy.
Volume I: Children of the Earth
Chapter 4: The Shadows Gather
The sun was already high in the sky when the search began.
Eze Nnobi stood at the entrance of the palace, watching as his guards, dressed in ceremonial armor, marched out in neat lines toward the village. Their mission was clear—find the child of the earth spoken of in the prophecy. The council had been thorough in their planning. They would search every home, question every family, and leave no stone unturned. Whoever this child was, they would be found.
Beside the king stood Udochukwu, his most trusted councilor, whose sharp eyes gleamed with anticipation. He had been the first to suggest the search, and his fervor for rooting out potential threats had not wavered. "We'll find them, Your Majesty," Udochukwu assured him. "And when we do, we'll know how to proceed."
Eze Nnobi gave a curt nod, his expression impassive. "I want no harm to come to any of our people," he said. "We must handle this with care. The spirits are watching."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Udochukwu replied, though his eyes betrayed a hunger for more than just answers.
The king turned his gaze toward the horizon, where the village of Umudike lay nestled between the hills and the forest. The people there were simple, hard-working, and loyal. Yet, within their ranks, there could be a force capable of unseating the throne itself.
This was no ordinary threat. This was destiny itself unraveling before him.
Adanna's Dilemma
Adanna paced the floor of her chambers, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and frustration. She had overheard her father speaking to the council, his voice low but stern as he ordered the search for the child of the earth. Even now, as she stood in her room, she could hear the distant sounds of the guards fanning out into the village, their orders clear.
A child born of the earth. The phrase gnawed at her. The Oracle's words had felt personal, as though directed not at some unknown figure, but at her. But how could that be? She was a princess, born of royal blood, not some mythical figure destined to reshape the future.
And yet… why did the prophecy weigh so heavily on her heart?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. It was Nkem, as always. The high priest's daughter entered quietly, her expression serious.
"I heard they've started the search," Nkem said, closing the door behind her. "The guards are everywhere, questioning everyone. Do they really believe this child could threaten the throne?"
Adanna stopped pacing, her arms crossed. "I don't know what they believe. All I know is that the prophecy has everyone on edge. And it's only going to get worse if they don't find what they're looking for."
Nkem frowned, stepping closer. "What about you? You were there, Adanna. The Oracle spoke to you directly. Don't you think…?"
Adanna cut her off with a sharp look. "No," she said firmly. "It can't be me. Whatever the Oracle meant, it has nothing to do with me. I'm not a child of the earth. I'm the daughter of a king."
Nkem looked unconvinced, but she didn't push the matter. Instead, she sat down on the edge of Adanna's bed, her hands resting in her lap. "So what do we do? Do we just wait and see what the guards find?"
Adanna sighed, running a hand through her long braids. "What choice do we have? If my father thinks this child is a threat, he'll stop at nothing to find them."
"But what if the child isn't a threat?" Nkem asked quietly. "What if the prophecy is being misinterpreted? The Oracle's words aren't always what they seem."
Adanna didn't respond right away. Deep down, she knew Nkem was right. The Oracle's prophecies were never straightforward. They were riddles, meant to be deciphered over time. But the council was treating this one as though it were a warning of imminent danger.
And what if it wasn't?
"I don't know," Adanna admitted softly. "But something doesn't feel right about all this."
Nkem nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe we should find out for ourselves. If this child is real… and if they're innocent, we can't let them be hurt."
Adanna looked at her friend, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "You mean… we should go after them?"
Nkem met her gaze, her eyes determined. "I'm saying we shouldn't sit here and do nothing. If there's even a chance that the prophecy is being twisted to serve someone's agenda, we have to act."
Adanna felt a strange sense of clarity wash over her. Nkem was right. The child of the earth, whoever they were, didn't deserve to be hunted like prey. And if the prophecy was truly about them, then maybe it was her duty to protect them—not as a princess, but as someone who understood the spirits better than anyone else in the palace.
"Alright," Adanna said, her voice firm. "We'll find them. But we have to be careful. If my father or Udochukwu finds out…"
"They won't," Nkem assured her. "We'll be smart about it."
Adanna nodded, feeling a newfound sense of purpose rise within her. She wasn't sure what the future held, but one thing was certain—she couldn't stand idly by while her kingdom was swept up in fear and uncertainty.
Alozie's Realization
Meanwhile, in the village of Umudike, Alozie was oblivious to the hunt that had begun in the palace. He had spent the morning in the fields, helping his mother and younger siblings tend to the crops. It was hard, backbreaking work, but it kept his mind focused—kept him from thinking too much about the vision.
But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, he began to notice the unease around him. The villagers spoke in hushed tones, their eyes darting toward the road that led to the palace. A group of guards had passed through earlier, their presence stirring whispers and rumors.
Alozie wiped the sweat from his brow, pausing to glance over at his mother, who was bent over a row of yam plants, her hands caked with dirt. She hadn't said much since the guards had passed, but Alozie could sense the tension in her shoulders.
"What's going on?" he asked, breaking the silence.
His mother straightened up, squinting at him in the harsh light of midday. "The king's men are searching for someone," she said, her voice low. "A child, they say. Born of the earth."
Alozie froze, his heart skipping a beat. The words struck him like a hammer to the chest, the memory of his vision flashing before his eyes.
Born of the earth… destined for the sky… You will walk with the gods or fall with the mortals.
Was it possible? Could the prophecy truly be about him?
He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "Why are they looking for this child?"
His mother glanced around, as though the trees might be listening. "I don't know. But there's been talk of a prophecy, something the Oracle said. People are scared."
Alozie's stomach twisted in knots. The vision had been strange enough, but now, with the guards scouring the village and the whispers of a prophecy in the air, it was becoming harder to dismiss.
Could he really be the child they were looking for?
He didn't want to believe it. He wasn't a warrior or a leader. He was just a farmer's son, a simple man trying to survive. But the vision… the spirits… they had chosen him for something. And now, it seemed, the entire kingdom was looking for him.
He had to make a decision. Should he stay hidden, hoping that the guards would pass him by, or should he face whatever fate the spirits had laid before him?
Olaedo's words echoed in his mind: Sometimes we don't get to choose, Alozie. Sometimes the path chooses us.
He didn't know what to do, but one thing was clear—he couldn't stay here. If the prophecy was about him, the king's men would find him eventually. And when they did, he didn't know what they would do.
"I need to go," Alozie said suddenly, his voice tight with urgency.
His mother looked at him, confusion flickering in her eyes. "What do you mean? Where are you going?"
Alozie shook his head, already moving toward the edge of the field. "I'll explain later. I just… I need to find someone."
His mother called after him, but he didn't stop. He couldn't explain, not yet. All he knew was that he needed answers—and fast.
As he hurried through the village, his mind raced with possibilities. The prophecy, the vision, the spirits—they were all connected, and he was at the center of it. He just didn't know why.
But he would find out. And when he did, he would be ready for whatever came next.
The Hunt
Back at the palace, Udochukwu stood in the shadows of the council chamber, his eyes narrowed as he watched the guards return with their reports. So far, no one had found anything, but Udochukwu was patient. He knew it was only a matter of time before the child was found.
The Oracle's words had been clear, and he was determined to see the prophecy fulfilled—on his terms.
As the guards filed out, Udochukwu turned to Eze Nnobi, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It won't be long now, Your Majesty. The child of the earth will be found. And when they are, we will have the power to reshape this kingdom."
Eze Nnobi said nothing, his expression unreadable. But Udochukwu could see the doubt in the king's eyes, the uncertainty that gnawed at him. That doubt was a weakness, and Udochukwu intended to exploit it.
The prophecy was more than just a warning—it was an opportunity. And Udochukwu would stop at nothing to seize it.
ความคิดเห็นย่อย
คุณลักษณะความคิดเห็นย่อหน้าอยู่ในขณะนี้บนเว็บ! เลื่อนเมาส์ไปที่ย่อหน้าใดก็ได้แล้วคลิกไอคอนเพื่อเพิ่มความคิดเห็นของคุณ
นอกจากนี้คุณสามารถปิด / เปิดได้ตลอดเวลาในการตั้งค่า
เข้าใจแล้ว