RUDEV MARY

At what cost?

It didn't take long before they placed the jaguar at the top of the shelf. "This is valuable, many eyes would be on it," Ephraim said to Sofia

"I know ... but who would dare step into our place when I'm around? " Sofia replied. Ephraim didn't know whether to feel secure or concerned with Sofia's new behaviour.

"Don't tell me you haven't changed a bit, "he whispered to her. She turned to him and replied, "What do you mean by that? I like the new me and there's nothing anyone can do about it. "she walked away rudely.

Rudev was concerned for her mum. She knew all this was to prevent someone like Alfred from entering their lives and taking advantage of their love, but this was too much.

"Anyway, I'll be leaving now..... I have to meet someone"Joza said. He walked out. Dan also said"I want to go pick Shira up, she's arriving today"

This news made the rest smile"Shira, you must love her so much?"priel gushed. Dan blushed and replied"We'll get married soon and then we'll finally be together," 

"I'm proud of you son," Ephraim said.

Dan bowed and walked out.

***

Joza is seen standing outside leaning on a wall with his guards around the corner. He was definitely waiting for someone, everyone that passed him made sure to greet him.

Joza patiently waited until a man called Amrit walked towards him. Amrit fell on the floor and said"Greetings the one and only Joza!"He stood up and dusted himself. Joza gave him a stern look and watched him get up

"Amrit, you're late?" he replied and sharpened his sword.

Amrit gulped and replied"Sorry sir, but at least I have what you want " he brought out money from his wrapped back and said"This is five hundred thousand shekels"

Joza didn't show his pleasure, he beckoned to one of his knights to take the money."Good, Amrit. I'm proud of you" he patted him and stood firm about leaving when Amrit looked at him as if he was expecting something.

Amrit stuttered"Mr Joza?" joza turned and looked at him knowing full well what he wanted "Yes?" he replied.

"What about my share?"Amrit added hoping he didn't say something wrong.

Joza scoffed and called his name while he counted the money"Amrit" Amrit replied with a concerned nod.

"...when did I ask for the money?"joza continued.

"Two days ago?"Amrit replied with a frown.

Joza stifled laughter and said, "Good, now leave.."

Amrit begged"Please Joza"

"Next time be on time"joza replied and left with his nights escorting him. Amrit was stranded, he had no idea what to do. He dared not argue further so he soliloquized"This child thinks he's all grown and now I'm calling him Mr joza. He's going to pay for all of this, I promise myself to make him suffer"

***

"I can't find it... "rudev said scattering the last part in her room."Maybe you lost it ?"priel said sipping a glass of tea while resting on rudev's bed.

"How can I lose something as valuable as that!"rudev screamed. Priel widened her eyes in shock"calm down rudev, we'll find it "she kept her tea and stood up.

She was just about to say something else when noa walked in"Aunt priel and rudev, you have a visitor". Rudev and priel shared a glance and rushed towards the door.

To their surprise, they met Reuben, Philip and Rebecca.

"Hello?" priel said to them.

"So?" rudev asked curiously.

"Rudev we found out where your arrow of will can be..."Reuben said. Rudev smiled relief and said  "I've been looking for it, if my mum or grandma finds out I lost It, them I'm a goner"

"Good, so where is it, "priel asked.

"That's another bad news" Philip replied. Rudev turned to priel and frowned. 

"Stop with all this suspense!" priel yelled.

"It's going to be auctioned tomorrow night by the people who found it " Rebecca replied.

Priel  and rudev smiled at each other and chorused "how is that bad news!"

Reuben glanced at Philp and Rebecca at how rudev and priel weren't getting the point.

"We could go the auction and take it back ..."rudev said but priel interrupted her with a brighter idea"better still we won't have to auction, rudev, you'll use your power and take it from them. The people fear our family, remember?"

Rudev nodded and asked, "Where Is the auction taking place?"

Reuben muttered, "What is the festival taking place tomorrow night?"

This question slowly put a frown on both rudev and priel's faces. They looked nervous all of a sudden .

"The festival of hot air balloons" Rebecca replied.

Ever since the attempted murder of king Ephraim at that festival, their family vowed never to attend one ever again. Now the idea of them going there to auction bummed them out.

"We can't go "priel muttered in disappointment.

Rudev sighed and replied "I'll go "

Priel gasped and said, "Rudev, you'll get into trouble again."

Rudev placed her hands on priel's shoulder and said slowly"If mum finds out that the arrow is missing then I'm in for it. Better let me go and retrieve it then you'll cover for me" Priel shook her head saying no.

"Please priel, just this one time, no harm will come, "Rudev said. Her pep talk might have worked on priel but might not work on Sofia if Sofia finds out.

"Ok then, see you tomorrow rudev" Reuben, Rebecca and Philip walked out.

"A risk I'm willing to take "rudev concluded.