Way of The Pride

5| The Meeting

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Olisa River
Ilani Village
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Warm air brushed against their garment as they stood upon the river banks of Olisa. The King, Elders in council and a select few guards were all here to witness the burial of the great Priestess.

Wrapped in white garments, her cold, dead body laid upon the wooden pyre waiting to be burned. Heads were bowed as a last show of respect, the grief in the air so palpable Iweobi could taste it.

He watched the guards surrounded her with scented herbs and flowers along with her precious possessions to ease her journey into the spirit realm.

Apart from the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks, all was silent. No one uttered a word. The silence in that moment, revered.

Lastly, a wreath of braided grass was placed on her forehead as the guards stepped away. The preparations were complete. Iweobi passed the fire torch to the King as he stepped towards the pyre and began to perform the three circles of severance.

It was a ritual performed by Royalty to sever the ties that binded a Priestess to the earthly realm. Each circle taken around the pyre represented the untangling of the knots. The first knot woven at birth, the second knot that strengthened her youth and the final knot sealing her death.

He could not see the King's expression but he knew her death affected him. The Priestess had been with him the longest from the time of his coronation till now. It was not easy to put decades of memories to rest.

"In the name of our goddess, ala, please grant this soul passage into the spiritual realm where she can be forever be at peace."

"Ise!" Everyone prayed.

"Idemmili, the one who restores balance, we bury her upon your shores guide her spirit to the gates of the afterlife."

"Ise!" Amen.

"May you always be remembered." With those final words the King lit up the pyre as it suddenly bursted in flames.

"May you always be remembered." Their chorus rose over the clash of turbulent waters and fierce wind as they watched the flames consume her.

The Priestess was now gone.

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The Palace
Throne Room
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The throne room, a place people came to lay out their grievances and sort out personal problems. An extension of the Igwe's authority, it had laid witness to important meetings over the years as well as the major decisions of the Kingdom.

Passed down from generation to generation, it was a symbol that represented fairness. The throne has always been supported by a body of advisors referred to as the Council of Elders, representatives from the Four Villages, to ensure a peaceful reign.

Until now.

Unfortunately, today was one such day where the fate of Isimir was threatened. Today was one such day where the people of Isimir turned to the throne united in their uncertainty.

Uncertainty for the future.

Eji, the current King of Isimir, calmly made his way to the throne room. The setting was charged with palpable tension that hovered over everyone like a dark cloud. Even a blind man could sense the silence engulfing the sombre gathering of Elders.