STORY
Golden Vanguard Episode 1
![](https://whodeybret.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot_2024-04-11-18-49-44-205_com.jetpack.android-edit.jpg)
In a kingdom where women were forbidden from wielding swords, a fearless band of warriors defied convention to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. Led by the indomitable Captain Eliza, they embarked on a daring quest to liberate the kingdom’s gold from the clutches of a tyrant king. With courage in their hearts and blade in hand, they marched into the heart of the kingdom, challenging the oppressive regime and inspiring hope in the hearts of the oppressed. As their legend grew, so did their resolve to fight for justice and equality for all. Despite facing formidable foes and encountering numerous obstacles along their journey, Captain Eliza and her band of warriors remained steadfast in their quest. They traversed treacherous terrain, infiltrated heavily guarded fortresses, and outsmarted the king’s most cunning advisors. Along the way, they forged unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, drawing strength from each other in the face of adversity.
Their exploits spread far and wide, earning them the admiration of the common folk and the ire of the king. With every victory, they struck a blow against the oppressive regime, rallying more women to join their cause and challenging the very foundations of patriarchal rule. But as they neared the final confrontation with the king, they realized that their greatest challenge lay not in defeating him in battle, but in reshaping the beliefs and values of their society. With unwavering determination and the power of their collective spirit, they stood on the precipice of history, ready to usher in a new era of equality and freedom for all.
King Sabo was a towering figure, adorned in opulent robes that shimmered with the brilliance of countless jewels. His crown, encrusted with precious gems, signified his unrivalled wealth and power. With a commanding presence and an air of arrogance, he ruled over his kingdom with an iron fist, caring little for the plight of his subjects. The king’s gold reserve was a sight to behold, housed within the impenetrable walls of his fortress. Towering stacks of gleaming gold coins and glittering treasures filled vast chambers, guarded day and night by the king’s loyal soldiers. It was said that the wealth amassed within those walls could rival that of entire nations, a testament to the king’s insatiable greed and desire for dominance. Yet, beneath the facade of splendour and grandeur, there lay a darkness that few dared to confront. The king’s obsession with wealth had blinded him to the suffering of his people, as he hoarded riches while his subjects languished in poverty and despair. And it was this very greed that would ultimately lead to his downfall, at the hands of the courageous band of female warriors who dared to challenge his tyranny and reclaim the stolen gold for the greater good.
As the band of female warriors delved deeper into the heart of King Sabo’s fortress, they beheld the true extent of his greed and excess. Golden statues adorned every corridor, their eyes seeming to follow the intruders with a gaze both haunting and accusatory. Vaults filled with jewels and treasures lay open, revealing the king’s insatiable appetite for wealth. But amidst the glittering opulence, there were signs of the king’s paranoia and desperation. Guards patrolled the halls with heightened vigilance, traps lay hidden in the shadows, and rumours swirled of dark magic protecting the king’s most prized possessions. Yet, undeterred by the dangers that lay ahead, Captain Eliza and her warriors pressed on, their determination burning brighter than the gold that surrounded them. For they knew that beyond the riches and the power, there lay a deeper truth: that true wealth lay not in hoarding gold, but in the bonds of friendship, the strength of conviction, and the courage to stand up against injustice. It was with these values guiding their every step that they would ultimately triumph over the tyrant king and reclaim the stolen gold for the people of the kingdom.
King Sabo, with his vast reserves of gold, wielded it as a tool of manipulation and control. He used a portion of his wealth to buy the loyalty of spies, ensuring that his grip on power remained unchallenged. These spies infiltrated rival kingdoms, whispering secrets and sowing discord to further the king’s agenda of expansion and dominance. With gold as his currency, he bought not just information, but betrayal and deceit, weaving a web of intrigue that stretched far beyond the borders of his kingdom. In his decadent court, King Sabo employed another tactic to solidify his power: he lavished gold upon the court girls, enticing them with promises of riches and luxury. With golden trinkets and jewellery, he lured them into his private chambers, where he exercised his authority in the most sinister of ways. Behind closed doors, away from prying eyes, he indulged in his darkest desires, using his wealth to exploit and subjugate those who dared to cross his path. Yet, unbeknownst to the king, his actions sowed seeds of resentment and rebellion among those he sought to control. For even the allure of gold could not extinguish the flame of freedom burning within the hearts of those who longed to break free from his oppressive rule. And it was this very longing for justice and equality that would ultimately lead to his downfall, as the band of female warriors rose to challenge his reign of tyranny and reclaim the stolen gold for the people.
The Queen, observing her husband’s nefarious actions from the shadows of the court, harboured her secrets and ambitions. While outwardly she played the role of the dutiful consort, inwardly she seethed with resentment at his tyranny and the suffering it inflicted upon their kingdom. Using her wit and cunning, the Queen clandestinely supported the band of female warriors in their quest to reclaim the stolen gold. Through coded messages and covert meetings, she provided them with vital information about the king’s vulnerabilities and the whereabouts of his most prized treasures. But her involvement went deeper still. Recognizing the power of unity, she reached out to neighbouring kingdoms, forging alliances and alliances to stand against King Sabo’s tyranny. With her strategic mind and diplomatic prowess, she laid the groundwork for a revolution that would shake the very foundations of the kingdom.
Eliza’s regiment of female warriors stood as a formidable force, their strength matched only by their unwavering determination. Trained from a young age in the art of warfare, each warrior possessed a unique set of skills honed through years of rigorous training and battle-hardened experience. Their choice of weapons varied, reflecting their specialities and combat styles. Some favoured the swift and deadly precision of the bow and arrow, their arrows finding their mark with unerring accuracy even in the heat of battle. Others wielded twin daggers with lethal grace, darting in and out of combat with lightning speed to strike at their foes’ weakest points. For those who preferred a more direct approach, there were swords of every shape and size, their blades gleaming with the promise of swift justice. Shieldmaidens stood tall at the front lines, their sturdy shields providing cover for their comrades as they advanced fearlessly into the fray.
But perhaps most impressive of all were the warriors who wielded magic, their powers drawn from the ancient mystic arts passed down through generations. With a flick of their wrists and a whispered incantation, they unleashed torrents of elemental fury upon their enemies, bending fire, water, and earth to their will with awe-inspiring mastery. Together, Eliza’s regiment formed an unstoppable force, their unity forged in the crucible of battle and their resolve unbreakable in the face of adversity. With each warrior bringing her unique talents to the battlefield, they stood ready to face any challenge that dared to stand in their way on their quest to reclaim the kingdom’s stolen gold and restore peace to the land.
It was at the Queen’s insistence that the idea of a regiment of female warriors was first proposed to the king. Recognizing the untapped potential and fierce determination of the women in their kingdom, she argued passionately for their inclusion in the ranks of the royal army. Initially met with scepticism and disdain by the king and his advisors, the Queen’s unwavering conviction eventually won out. With her persuasive arguments and steadfast determination, she convinced the king to allow her to train and lead a regiment of female warriors, promising that they would prove themselves on the battlefield as capable and formidable as any man.
Under the Queen’s guidance, Eliza emerged as a natural leader, her skill in combat matched only by her unwavering loyalty to the kingdom and its people. With the Queen’s support and encouragement, Eliza and her regiment flourished, proving time and again that women were more than capable of defending their homeland with courage and honour. And as the band of female warriors embarked on their quest to reclaim the kingdom’s stolen gold, they did so not just as soldiers, but as symbols of the Queen’s vision of equality and empowerment. For it was her belief in their abilities and her unwavering support that had paved the way for their triumphs on the battlefield and their eventual victory over tyranny.
The King’s forces stood as a formidable army, their strength in numbers matched only by their ruthless efficiency on the battlefield. Trained from a young age in the art of war, the soldiers of the royal army were disciplined and loyal, their unwavering allegiance to King Sabo driving them forward in the face of adversity. At the heart of the King’s forces were his toughest and most battle-hardened knights, towering figures clad in gleaming armour and wielding mighty swords that struck fear into the hearts of their enemies. Renowned for their skill and ferocity in combat, these knights had fought in countless battles, their valour and prowess earning them a reputation as the king’s most trusted warriors. But it was not just the knights who bolstered the King’s ranks. His army consisted of legions of foot soldiers, armed with spears, axes, and bows, their sheer numbers overwhelming all who dared to oppose them. Behind them marched siege engines and war machines, their thunderous roar heralding destruction and devastation wherever they went.
Yet, for all their strength and power, the King’s forces were not without their weaknesses. Their loyalty to their tyrant king was fueled more by fear than by genuine devotion, and whispers of discontent and rebellion simmered beneath the surface of their ranks. And as they clashed with the band of female warriors on the battlefield, they would come to realize that courage and conviction could triumph over brute strength and numbers. In the end, it was not the size of the army that determined victory, but the righteousness of the cause and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom and justice.
The castle where the female warriors were stationed stood as a bastion of strength and resilience, its towering walls and imposing towers a testament to centuries of history and tradition. Perched atop a rocky hill, it overlooked the surrounding landscape, its strategic position providing both protection and a commanding view of the kingdom below. Inside the castle gates, the female warriors prepared for the coming conflict, their resolve unshakable as they stood ready to defend their homeland against the forces of tyranny. Each corner of the castle bustled with activity as soldiers and volunteers alike worked tirelessly to fortify its defences and prepare for the inevitable siege. Alongside the female warriors stood a contingent of male knights, their loyalty to the crown unwavering as they guarded the royal family with unwavering vigilance. Clad in shining armour and bearing the crest of the kingdom, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their female counterparts, united in their determination to protect the kingdom from any who would seek to do it harm.
Outside the castle walls, the forces of King Sabo massed for the impending assault, their ranks stretching as far as the eye could see. Siege engines rumbled into position, their deadly payloads aimed squarely at the castle gates, while lines of foot soldiers and cavalry stood ready to storm the fortress and crush all who stood in their way. But within the castle walls, the defenders stood firm, their spirits unbroken and their resolve unyielding. For they knew that they fought not just for themselves, but for the future of their kingdom and the ideals of justice and freedom that they held dear. And as the battle lines were drawn and the clash of steel echoed across the land, they prepared to make their stand against the forces of tyranny, whatever the cost.
On the fateful day when the King departed for his hunting expedition, the Queen seized the opportunity to set her daring plan into motion. With the castle’s halls and corridors emptied of the usual throngs of courtiers and guards, she saw her chance to reclaim the kingdom’s stolen gold and strike a blow against her husband’s tyranny. Gathering her most trusted allies, including Captain Eliza and her band of female warriors, the Queen set out to execute their carefully crafted scheme. Under the guise of attending to her royal duties, she moved through the castle with purpose, her heart pounding with anticipation as she drew closer to her goal. Meanwhile, outside the castle walls, the King and his retinue rode off into the wilderness, their laughter and boasts echoing across the countryside as they pursued their quarry. Unbeknownst to them, their absence would provide the perfect opportunity for the Queen and her allies to carry out their audacious plan.
The Queen and Captain Eliza united in their determination to reclaim the kingdom’s stolen gold, devising a daring plan to infiltrate the king’s fortress and liberate the treasure from his grasp. Using their knowledge of the castle’s layout and the vulnerabilities of its defences, they crafted a meticulous strategy that would allow them to bypass the king’s guards and seize the gold without alerting suspicion. Under the cover of darkness, they assembled a small band of trusted allies, each one handpicked for their skill and loyalty. Disguised in the garb of common travellers, the Queen and Captain Eliza led their group through the winding streets of the kingdom, slipping past the king’s patrols and blending seamlessly into the bustling crowds. With each step, they drew closer to their goal, their determination unwavering despite the dangers that lurked around every corner. As they approached the fortress, they encountered their first obstacle: the castle’s formidable outer walls, guarded day and night by the king’s most vigilant soldiers. But the Queen and Captain Eliza were not so easily deterred. With the help of their allies, they scaled the walls under the cover of darkness, using ropes and grappling hooks to ascend to the castle’s highest towers.
Once inside, they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the fortress with stealth and precision, avoiding detection by the king’s guards as they made their way towards the vault where the gold was kept. Along the way, they encountered traps and obstacles designed to thwart intruders, but with their combined wit and skill, they overcame each challenge with ease. Finally, they reached their destination: the vault, its massive doors standing as the last barrier between them and the stolen treasure. With a mixture of cunning and brute force, they breached the vault’s defences, revealing the glittering hoard of gold within. With the treasure in their possession, the Queen and Captain Eliza made their escape, slipping out of the fortress under the cover of darkness and disappearing into the night. And as dawn broke over the kingdom, it was not just the stolen gold that had been reclaimed, but the spirit of defiance and resilience that burned bright within the hearts of those who dared to challenge the king’s tyranny.
The Queen’s loyal court ladies played a crucial role in the daring heist to reclaim the stolen gold. Disguised as servants and attendants, they used their intimate knowledge of the castle’s inner workings to guide the Queen and Captain Eliza through the maze-like corridors and past the king’s guards. With their graceful movements and impeccable manners, the court ladies blended seamlessly into the backdrop of the fortress, deflecting suspicion and diverting attention away from their true intentions. They whispered secrets and spread rumours, creating distractions and decoys to cover the Queen and Captain Eliza’s tracks as they made their way towards the vault. But it was inside the vault itself where the court ladies truly proved their worth. With their keen eyes and nimble fingers, they navigated the intricate mechanisms and traps that guarded the treasure, disabling alarms and unlocking doors with skilful precision. Together, the Queen, Captain Eliza, and their band of allies worked in perfect harmony, each member of the team playing their part with unwavering dedication and resolve. And as they emerged victorious from the depths of the vault, their hearts filled with triumph and their spirits lifted with the knowledge that they had reclaimed not just the kingdom’s stolen gold, but their destiny as well.
As the female warriors stealthily made their escape from the vault, their arms laden with the stolen gold, they left behind no trace of their presence save for the open doors and the lingering scent of adventure in the air. But even their meticulous planning could not account for the unforeseen twists of fate that would soon unfold. As the last of the warriors slipped silently out of the vault, a small group of guards patrolling the castle stumbled upon the scene, their eyes widening in shock as they beheld the sight of the open doors and the empty treasure chests within. Alarmed by the discovery, they raised the alarm, their shouts echoing through the halls as they raced to alert their comrades and summon reinforcements. Outside the castle walls, the King and his retinue were deep amid their hunting expedition, their spirits high as they pursued their quarry through the dense forest. But their revelry was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a distant horn, its urgent notes cutting through the stillness of the woods like a clarion call to arms.
Instantly alert to the possibility of danger, the King ordered his men to halt their pursuit and return to the castle with all haste. With grim determination, they spurred their horses into action, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that trouble awaited them upon their return. And as they rode back towards the castle, the King and his retinue could only wonder at the cause of the alarm and the mysteries that awaited them within its walls. Little did they know that their absence had provided the perfect opportunity for the Queen and her allies to strike a decisive blow against the forces of tyranny and that the stolen gold now lay safely in their hands, a symbol of hope and defiance in the face of oppression.
Upon his return to the castle and learning of the audacious heist orchestrated by his Queen, King Sabo’s fury knew no bounds. His face contorted with rage, he stormed through the halls of the fortress, his shouts echoing off the stone walls as he raged against the betrayal of his beloved consort. Summoning his most trusted advisors and commanders, the King issued a decree with a thunderous voice, his words laced with venom and fury. A search was to be conducted throughout the kingdom, with every resource at their disposal mobilized to capture or kill the traitorous Queen and her band of accomplices. No corner of the kingdom would be left unchecked, no stone left unturned, as the King vowed
STORY
Pregnant Side chick:Are you the one who is pregnant for my husband?” Sophia asks. Her best friend Juliet was stepping out of the car with Ekene standing directly at her back.
![](https://whodeybret.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FB_IMG_1713677948903-3.jpg)
“Are you the one who is pregnant for my husband?” Sophia asks. Her best friend Juliet was stepping out of the car with Ekene standing directly at her back. Her pregnancy has become big. Her belongings were in the boot of the car, but even before she could start walking into the house, Sophia already was there to welcome them.
“Yes! I’m the one. Are you surprised?” Juliet asked with strong frown on her face. She came prepared for a fight. She thought Sophia would stand in her way and try to stop her from entering the house. She thought Sophia would be heartbroken to find out that she has been the side chick sleeping with her husband. But she was shocked when things turned out differently.
“Of course not! Why would I be surprised? On the contrary, I’m not angry and I’m not shocked. In fact, I’m grateful that you are the one. Instead of my husband to get a harlot pregnant, it is better he impregnates my best friend. I mean, I have known you since childhood and we have been friends. The devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know. I will be eternally grateful to you for carrying my husband’s baby. I have seen that he is happy about the pregnancy. I’m here at your service to help in any way I can during the nine months you will carry the child. Juliet, you are highly welcome to our house.” Sophia declared with a broad smile on her face.
Ekene’s shock went deeper. He wondered what kind of a woman his wife turned into in the past few days after she learned of the pregnancy.
“What kind of woman finds out that her husband got her friend pregnant and then welcomes him and the pregnant woman with open arms? What kind of woman is this?” Ekene asks himself. It was like he never knew his wife, yet, they had been married for ten years. She has revealed a new character that shocked him.
“Let’s get your things into the house.” Sophia said as she started unloading the car and taking Juliet’s load into the house. Out of shame, Ekene joined her to move the loads into the house. Juliet carried nothing as she merely walked in and sank into one of the cushions in the living room. It was around 5pm in the evening.
When Ekene brought in the last bag, he was greeted with loud cheers and laughter that filled the living room. He wondered what was going on. He moved closer towards the dining area and saw that tables and chairs were set for a small party. He wondered what was going on because he did not ask anyone to come for any party or celebration.
“What’s going on here?” Ekene asked his wife who was coming out from the kitchen with a large cooler of jollof rice. She placed the jollof rice on the dining table and then tore open bags of take away plates and started dishing jollof rice for the guests.
“Ah Ah! My dear husband. Don’t tell me you want to bring your baby mama home in a silent way. It is not done that way and that was not how we were brought up. In Igbo culture, when you are bringing a new wife home, you must let your neighbours know and you must make some joyful noise. That is why I invited our friends and well-wishers and even our church members to celebrate the new addition with us.” Sophia said as she continued to dish jollof rice and handing the take away plates to waiting guests.
“Ekene, your wife is right. You cannot just bring a second woman home without letting your friends and family know. We have come to rejoice with you. Congratulations my man. You will soon be a father.” Kunle said as he drew closer to hug Ekene and pat his back. He was holding a cup of wine which he quickly gulped and placed the empty glass on the table.
Ekene stood hands akimbo, not knowing what to do. He did not respond positively to Kunle’s hug. Juliet had left the living room and joined Ekene where he was standing. Both of them were stupefied and confused, not knowing how to approach the party. Ekene felt ashamed and so was Juliet.
“Please ladies and gentlemen hold on! May I have your attention please?” Sophia said to call the attention of the party guests. Everyone stopped eating and drinking and looked in Sophia’s direction.
“You all are my friends and some of you are friends with my husband. You are welcome to this small get together and thanks for honouring my invitation at such short notice. You all know I and my husband have been struggling to have children since we got married ten years ago, but we have not succeeded. I have not been able to get pregnant no matter how we tried.
“I have visited many clinics and even gone to see native doctors but nothing has worked positively so far. But thanks goodness, my friend here, Juliet is now pregnant for my husband. Our problem of childlessness has been solved. I want to specially thank Juliet for getting pregnant and agreeing to keep the baby. And I also thank her for agreeing to come live with us. I shall be eternally grateful to her. To my wonderful husband, I most sincerely appreciate your patience these past years. I do not blame you for anything and I’m not angry that you got my best friend pregnant. Be rest assured of my love. When this baby is born, I shall nurture her like my own. Everyone cheers to the new addition to my family.” Sophia said and everyone chorused cheers. She went back and continued to dish jollof rice.
Ekene felt very stupid. He never knew his wife Sophia ambushed him with a surprise party which in his estimation was purely meant to embarrass him in the presence of his friends and neighbours. Before the party, no one knew he got another woman pregnant, but after then, it became the talk of the town that he impregnated his wife’s friend.
He was so embarrassed that he could not lift his feet where he was standing. He felt ashamed and his side chick, Juliet was also ashamed. She did not understand why a wife will throw a party to welcome a side chick who got pregnant for her husband.
Shortly, Sophia dished two plates of jollof rice and served Ekene and Juliet. She added two big chunks of meat and two bottles of malt. For the first time in many days, Ekene ate his wife’s food. He ate it because she dished it from the same cooler she was dishing for others at the party. He knew no way she could poison the entire cooler and not kill everyone. Yet, he and Juliet still ate with fear.
When everyone was gone, Ekene and Juliet were lying down in the living room with a new mattress he had bought the day before. But Sophia came and woke them.
“I have vacated the bedroom for you people. I have prepared the guest room. Henceforth, I will be staying there. Please Juliet, don’t reject this. I’m not angry in anyway. I just want the best for you and my husband, and also the baby. The two of you should go to the bedroom and sleep comfortably.” Sophia said as she went away.
At that point, Ekene and Juliet looked at each other with more fear in their eyes.
“What kind of woman vacates her matrimonial bed for a side chick who is pregnant for her husband?” Juliet asks Ekene.
“I don’t know what she is up to. But, I’m not sleeping in this house. I’m now very scared. I’m convince she is up to evil. Please follow me right now.” Ekene said. They went outside and slept in the car.
Watch out for episode 3.
Israel Usulor Stories
STORY
Ke Kulanakauhale ma ke Kai or, The City by the Sea – Thomas iannucci
![](https://whodeybret.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/thomas.jpg)
“The city by the sea, the city by the sea,” crows the blind man as he rows, his oars dipping in and out of the icy gray water in time with his cadence. His voice rings loud and true, but even so, it is hardly audible over the roar of the frigid sea. A wave crashes into the small boat, drenching the man and his two grandsons, but he pays it no mind. “Wherever I may go, may she watch over me! The city by the sea, I keep her in my heart,” he sings on, and his defiance in the face of the weather is almost inspiring. “When I had lost it all, she taught me to restart!” Another wave crashes into the old, wooden vessel, lifting it up and slamming it back down with a jolt. This time, the man stops, spluttering as the salty spray momentarily overwhelms his senses.
“The city by the sea, the city by the sea.” His eldest grandson, Veeka, picks up where the old man has left off. As a Singer — even one who has not yet completed his training — it is his kuleana to continue the song. “Wherever I may go, she’ll remain with me.” He sings it dutifully, with less embellishment than his grandfather; where the old man’s voice is polished and strong, Veeka’s is less certain, and full of anxiety. The difference between master and apprentice, between kumu and haumana, is stark. “Wherever I may go, she’ll remain with me!” Veeka tries to keep rhythm while he sings and rows, the way his grandfather does. It helps him to focus. He needs the focus. The life of his brother depends on it. Veeka glances back at his younger brother, Shay, and grimaces. Shay is wrapped tightly in a thick, boarskin cloak, and is wearing their finest rain-jacket, a family heirloom from many decades past. Neither seems to be helping. He shivers.
“The city by the sea, forever will I miss,” intones their grandfather, picking up where Veeka has trailed off. In other circumstances, Veeka would have been humiliated: to leave a song unsung is unforgivable. But, thinks Veeka, as he observes the great, gray, churning mass of waves and ice cold water that surround their vessel, this is no ordinary situation. “The city by the sea, forever I will miss…” Veeka’s grandfather also trails off, and he frowns. “Forever I will miss…?” He grunts in frustration. “I can’t seem to remember the last part. Do you know it, Veeka?” he calls out. The voice of a normal man would have been swept away by the sea spray and winter winds, but the old man is a true Singer. His voice carries easily to his grandson.
“No, grandpa. I don’t. You never taught us that one, remember? I’ve just been trying to go off of what you’ve been singing so far.” He shakes his head. “I don’t even know what a city is.”
“It’s like our village, only bigger. Much, much bigger,” says the old man. “Or at least, that’s what my tūtū used to say.” Veeka thinks about that. How much bigger? How many people live there, he wonders. A hundred, perhaps? Maybe even a thousand? The idea is hard to grasp. But, as his grandpa always reminds him, he doesn’t need to grasp this knowledge, only to preserve it. That is the role of a Singer.
“Hmm.” The old man blinks, his sightless gaze looking far off, unaware of Veeka’s internal musings. “A song should never be left unfinished. It’s bad luck, yes. Bad, bad. Maika’i ‘ole. What kind of Singers are we, if we can’t remember our words?” He shakes his head. “We are the memory of the people! And if the memory forgets, what then?”
“I don’t know,” says Veeka, frustration creeping into his voice. “Does it even matter anymore? Lāna’i has fallen. Our lāhui was slaughtered, as were the others, most likely. There’s no one left for us to remember for.” It is true. This very morning, the Men from across the Long Sea arrived, in their great boats, with their metal weapons. Veeka and his surviving family have been at sea all day after narrowly escaping the raid on Lāna’i. All day is more than enough to overrun such a small island. No doubt their sister islands will follow suit.
“My mother’s mother taught me that song,” says the old man. “It was about the home her parents left behind. We aren’t native to Lāna’i, you know.”
“Yes, tūtū, I know,” says Veeka, using the Old Word for “grandparent.” He knows a few words from the Old Tongue, but much of it has been lost, at least on Lāna’i. That is why the Singers exist, to preserve what has been lost. But now that is over, too. Veeka looks back at his grandfather. Sometimes, when the old man is singing, it is easy to forget that he has long gone senile. But when it comes to other matters, his mind can no longer focus.
“I could never remember the last bit,” says the blind man, his irritation at odds with the direness of their situation. “‘Auwe! That’s no good. It was the important part, I think. The endings are always important.”
As the old man laments his lack of memory, Veeka silently prays, focused on what remains of the journey. They have been rowing for hours and hours. Veeka’s numb muscles no longer burn or groan with protest. They surrendered that fight long ago. Instead, they mechanically obey, spurred on by desperation now that the adrenaline of their flight has worn off. Veeka is certain that, if they survive, he will find that he’s done permanent damage to his body today.
“The end of a song binds the memory to us. Without it, that memory can fly away, untethered, like the Po’ouli birds of old,” says the man.
“I wish we could fly away,” says Veeka, looking around them. He can see the looming presence of the Great Island further on ahead, and he’s fairly certain they’re almost there, but the fog and sea mist make it impossible to accurately judge the distance. He turns back to look at Shay, whose shivering continues to worsen. “You’ll be okay, palala. Just rest. I’ll take care of you,” he promises. “Somehow.” A wave that seems nearly the size of the mountains in the near-distance rises up, lifting their boat with it. Veeka cries out in terror.
“The city by the sea, the city by the sea!” sings the blind man. Their boat lands on the other side of the wave with a heavy crash. Water splashes everywhere, and some fills the boat, which creaks uneasily. Shay coughs violently, pulling the boarskin cloak tighter around him. His eyes snap open. They start to rove around frantically, taking in the oppressive gray surrounding them. “Cold,” he says, through chattering teeth. “So cold.”
“It’ll be okay, palala,” Veeka assures Shay. Looking around them, he realizes that the island is much closer than he originally thought. He feels something akin to hope swell in his chest, though its flavor is also reminiscent of desperation and hysteria.
“Sing, Veeka!” admonishes the old man.
“Never mind the song,” snaps Veeka, heart pounding. “Keep rowing! I think I see the bay up ahead!” This gets the old man’s attention, and the two of them begin to row frantically, harder than before, though neither had known that that was possible until now. They’re aided by the fact that they’ve been caught in a riptide, one that’s pulling them directly towards the beach. The speed of their vessel increases significantly. They are so close. “It’s going to be fine, Shay,” swears Veeka as he rows. “We’re going to get you to the city, the city by the sea, and they’ll fix you up, good as new! They’ll be able to protect us there. I promise.”
Veeka rows with fervor and valor and hate and fear. He rows and rows, stabbing the gray, watery abyss below him again and again with his paddles, raging against it as it rages against him. He is an island unto himself, and now it is him pulling the Great Island towards himself instead of the other way around. For a moment, he feels his spirits lift.
And then he sees the sea monster.
A horn. White. A spray of ocean water as a great something breaches ahead of them.
“‘Auwe!” cries Veeka. “Sea monster ahead!” The large, white, blubbery mass swims towards them at an astonishing pace, slamming into the side of their craft, which rocks the boat and threatens to capsize it. “No, no, no!” Veeka desperately tries to outpace the creature as it turns around to face them again. Though half of it is submerged, he can see its long, spiraled horn pointing at them as the monster prepares to make another charge. The blind man looks around in confusion, sensing even in his senility that something is deeply wrong.
“Keep rowing, tūtū!” orders Veeka. “Row, and sing!”
The old man acquiesces. “The city by the sea, the city by the sea! Wherever I may go, may she watch over me,” he cries. The sea monster, as though it senses a challenge, bellows in return, and assails them. Thankfully, its horn misses Veeka’s grandfather, but its giant, slimy head slams into the back of the boat, which shudders as it is thrust forward. Veeka feels his teeth clack painfully together, but he stays focused. The bay is coming into view. The tides are really starting to pick up now, pulling their small vessel directly towards the island, towards the city, towards their only hope of salvation.
“The city by the sea, I keep her in my heart!” sings the blind man, his song a cry of defiance against the winds and the waves and the ice and the monster that pursues them.
Filled with longing, and reminded of their life before the men from across the Long Sea had come, Veeka joins the old man in his song, tears streaking down his cheeks as he sings with all his heart. “When I had lost it all, she taught me to restart! The city by the sea!”
The phlegmy, throaty roar of the sea monster drowns out their song for a moment. It slams into the back of the boat once again, propelling the old man forward, and he crashes into his younger grandson. Shay coughs and gasps, while the old man starts grasping desperately for his oars. While the boat is propelled further ahead, the monster swims alongside it, ramming into it again on the starboard side. Furious, Veeka drops his oars, now confident that the island’s tides will soon deliver them to the beach, and the legendary city therein. He reaches down near his feet and grabs the ancient, rusted harpoon that belonged to his grandfather’s grandfather, and prepares to defend his family.
Veeka ducks as the great horn of the beast whistles past him, and then he stabs the harpoon into the head of the creature. It roars out in agony, and Veeka is barely able to withdraw his weapon with a sick, sucking pop, before the creature lunges at them again, leaping high into the air. This time, its mottled, white body manages to get onto the craft, sending frigid seawater and hot, steaming blood pouring into the boat. The vessel has been compromised. It will not last much longer.
“The city by the sea, the city by the sea!” sings Veeka in fury and terror and desperation. He picks up the harpoon and drives it into the beast again, and again, and again, the third time driving the metal spear deep into the monster’s eye. “Wherever I go, she’ll remain with me!” he roars. The sea monster cries out again, this time in agony rather than anger. It thrashes around, sending cracks through the boat, and knocking Veeka over with its horn. He drives the harpoon deeper into its eye. The creature stops thrashing and goes limp. With a sigh, it sinks heavily back below the surface of the deep. Veeka winces, and sees that, in the struggle, his arm has been pierced. He looks back and sees his grandfather protectively shielding Shay. “It’s okay, grandpa! It’s okay! We’re almost there, now!” He points eagerly ahead, then laughs at his own foolishness when he remembers his grandfather’s blindness. They are in the bay now, and though the mist and fog are thick, he can start to see spires, and the tops of great buildings. Against all odds, they have survived. Veeka begins to laugh, and tears of joy stream down his face.
“We made it, Shay,” he tells his brother. “We made it.” And not a moment too soon, either. The boat is taking on water, slowly but quite surely. He pats its stern affectionately. “Mahalo, old friend. You’ve served us well. We will sing songs about you.”
“The last line!” says the old man, interrupting Veeka’s sentimental musings. “I remember it now!”
“Really?” asks Veeka, delighted, as he resumes rowing. They are making great progress now, the shore quickly approaching them. “Then sing it with me, tūtū! Sing!” Veeka feels himself choke up. This is what it means to be a Singer. This is the power of their calling. This is why keeping the memories matters. The two men begin to sing, triumphant and proud, as they row safely into the bay.
“The city by the sea, the city by the sea,
Wherever I may go, may she watch over me,
The city by the sea, I keep her in my heart,
When I had lost it all, she taught me to restart,”
As the two men sing, Veeka looks around, curious, and breaks off his singing. “It’s taking too long to find the beach,” says Veeka, confused. “I know the Great Island’s a lot bigger than Lāna’i, but…this doesn’t make sense.” Though he’s never sailed this far before, Veeka has often gone in between the minor islands on vessels like this one. He knows roughly what the distance from the bay to the shore should be for an island of this size. “Something’s wrong.”
Ahead of them are strange shapes, floating in the water. It is hard to make out what exactly they are through the fog, but it is clear that they are man-made, leftovers from before the Snowfall. Giant, rotting ships, perhaps? But no. These aren’t ships. The way their tops peak out above the ocean makes them seem more permanent, like structures. They seem vaguely familiar, but he isn’t sure why.
“This…isn’t right,” says Veeka. “What is this place?”
“The city by the sea, the city by the sea!” Veeka’s grandfather goes on, unaware of Veeka’s growing concern. “Wherever I may go, she’ll remain with me!”
Several of the strange structures are coming into view, and Veeka looks around, surprised to see that he is surrounded by the great, metal-and-brick shapes. Some have long, thin spires that point into the air, while others are flat and covered in slush. A thought suddenly occurs to Veeka, who turns back to face his grandfather. “Grandpa,” he says frantically. “The last line of the song! What was it? You said you remembered it, right?”
“Yes, yes,” says the old man, excitedly. “I do! I remember it now, so clearly, the way my mother used to sing it to herself before bed.”
“How does it go?” demands Veeka. The strange structures go on and on, filling the bay, of which there is no end in sight. He sees his own, pathetic image reflected back at him from one of the larger structures, and shudders. This reminds him of something, reminds him of the memories his grandfather used to sing to him of the time before the First Snow, and the great civilization that had once lived on the islands. His heart drops. The old man coughs, and clears his throat, spitting into the ocean. “The city by the sea, forever will I miss!” he sings proudly, before taking a breath and delivering the final line. “For she sank below the tides, and rots among the fish!” His delighted laughter becomes a cackle. “I finally remembered! It’s been so long, but I finally remembered, Veeka! What a relief, it was driving me mad!”
He claps his hands joyously as Veeka looks around in horror. The bay keeps going and going and going, lined with the strange aquatic structures, but now Veeka can place them. “Buildings,” he whispers. “These…are the tops of buildings.” He falls silent as it all hits him, but his grandfather takes no notice. Shay shivers again, but this time, Veeka has no words of comfort for his younger brother. Their grandfather laughs and laughs and laughs in delight as Veeka begins to sob.
STORY
Mama I’m bleeding, what is happening my baby? Mama please stop it’s painful, it’s very painful. Ogechi crying out in agonizing pain.
![](https://whodeybret.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FB_IMG_1713520867734.jpg)
One Upon A Mother
Episode. 5
Arh are, aaaah mama I’m bleeding, what is happening my baby? Mama please stop it’s painful, it’s very painful. Ogechi crying out in agonizing pain.
Will you mind dying? What I’m I doing with a disgrace like you as a daughter? I don’t care if the bastard inside of you dies or you. Now get up from there and finish this clothes cause you still have alot to do. Adaugo said unremorsefully as she pushed ogechi away and walk inside.
Obianuju came back to collect the meeting contribution from her since they’re both the treasurer. But could hear loud scream and agonizing from afar.
She rushed down and behold ogechi was bleeding under the heavy rain, rolling on the erosion.
Jesus, ogechi, adaugo come come oo, ogechi is bleeding. The baby, I hope she is okay, adaugo oo. And who is that mad dog of a woman screaming my name like that? Adaugo responded rudely from the inside.
Oh it’s you, you might as well take her to your house, I thought you should be at the meeting. And I will ask the leader to fine you, if you dare come late. Adaugo said to obianuju.
What? Adaugo, what did you say? Obianuju asked angrily. Mama my mother wants to k’ill me and my baby, she said we should die. Ogechi forcefully whisper to obianuju.
Jesus, adaugo, you did this? And left her like this inside the rain? You need to be called to order. What kind of evil are you? Is this really who you are adaugo?.
Should anything happen to this girl and her pregnancy, I won’t forgive you and God will judge you. How can you be this evil? My dear, let me take you to the midwife. Obianuju tried to help ogechi up, rested one of her hand on her neck and shoulder so she can walk.
God will truly judge you, and you call yourself a Christian and the leader of CWO? Father must hear this. Wicked witch like you,.
You own blood and you treat her like this? Your only child. And what are you preaching to people?. Obianuju pouring out her anger whilst helping ogechi to walk.
Mtcheeew if only you will keep that bunch of embarrassment and disgrace with you. She wants to disgrace me in this village and the church to mock me.
Uchechi was her on her coming back to visit ogechi, carrying food with umbrella. Remembering the last time she’s not eating for days.
She stopped obianuju on the way as she scream and flag at them. Mama, mama, it’s me, please stop I was just coming to the house.
What happened to my friend, ogechi, what is the matter? Please talk to me. Mama have you noticed she’s bleeding and getting so weak? Ogechi fell to the ground and became unconscious.
She has lost alot of blood plus the stress which made her so weak. Aah ogechi, what is the matter, Jesus please wake up, wake up. What is going on.
Uchechi started running around inside the rain looking for help,she almost throw away the flask she was holding.
Mama, what is happening to ogechi my friend?. Obianuju immediately noticed ogechi isn’t breathing again. She called his son to quickly bring his okada to take them to the hospital.
The primary health center that the Catholic opened newly in the village, they brought big doctors from the city. They quickly rushed her there, they got to the hospital, obianuju pleaded with uchechi to stay with her.
While she rush back to the village women meeting, she’s already so late. She promised to come back and check on her after the meeting.
Ogechi was quickly attended to, the doctors stopped the bleeding and they run some test and found out she’s three months and two weeks pregnant.
I am doctor Emeka, I am the one attending to your sister. Are you the person that brought her here? The doctor asked uchechi.
Yes yes please, how is she can I see her? Uchechi asked curiously. No not yet, she’s stable now but still sleeping. The bleeding has stopped but she will need proper care please.
Her pregnancy is very fragile and delicate, where is her husband and her mother?. The doctor asked,but uchechi couldn’t say nothing, was dumbfounded.
It’s fine, let’s just wait to till she’s awake alright. I believe she will be fine and stable soon,it would’ve been risky if she was being delayed more than this.
Uchechi stayed till evening, she was informed by the doctor that ogechi is awake. Her face was brighten up and her heart filled with joy.
She went into the ward to see ogechi, met her crying and forcing herself to talk. What wrong have I done to my mother? Ogechi cry out in pain. What if I had died? Why does she treat me like this?.
She wish me to disappear? There are many young girls who has been mistakenly pregnant but their parents never treated them this way.
I wish my father was alive, he was my best friend and companion. I would’ve had someone to fall back to. Uchechi keeping nodding while tears constantly roll down her cheeks.
Please stop, you will come out of this, you will be fine. But I don’t think you should go back to your mother. Come back with me, my mother you will accept you, you know that. Uchechi pleaded.
My mother will k’ill totally, if I dare leave the house to go live with anyone. Ogechi said crying and groaning in pains…I will endure her, but I didn’t k’ill anybody.
She treats me like I’m no longer a human being, oh God….
Ugonna it will not be well with you for what you put me through… Mama ogechi what have I really done wrong to you?. Ogechi asked herself staring at uchechi.
To be continued
Give me 3k likes, 200 shares and comments if you want me to continue. Or we stop here
I am Mirach