"𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝟐"

Chapter 19: 𝑲𝒂𝒂𝒃𝒐 𝑰𝒍𝒆

"Put your hands on the staff, please." Ikemba said, holding it out.

Camilo, Mirabel and I each placed one hand on it before being transported elsewhere.

Camilo stepped to the side and keeled over, trying to catch his breath.

Mirabel held her head, and appeared dazed.

"They'll be okay." Ikemba stated, looking down at them.

I gave both Mirabel and Camilo water.

"Grácias, hermana."

"Grácias."

I nodded at them before turning to look around. We were in the garden I'd seen in my dream and memories.

I smiled at Mirabel and pointed around us, to which she responded by nodding and smiling.

"I understand that you seem to remember very little." Ikemba said, looking at me.

I nodded.

"Allow me to inform you." Ikemba said, turning to walk. "This is our home. You and I, we are first cousins."

"Really?" I asked excitedly, skipping up to his side. "Did you miss me?"

Ikemba looked to the side, but I could see a smile in the corner of his lips.

I grinned and hugged his arm.

"I may not remember, but I missed you too." I said.

Ikemba exhaled before looking at me.

"Yes. We all did." he said. "My twin sister, Adaku, was especially worried about your whereabouts. She's attempted to sneak out a few times to find you, but she didn't know where to look."

"Why not?" I asked.

"Your mother was especially secretive about where she sent you. She was worried that...someone would find out where you were going." Ikemba explained.

I bit my lip.

"Uzoma?" I asked.

"Do you remember him?" Ikemba asked, raising a brow.

"A little bit." I said, holding two fingers together.

"Perhaps for the best." Ikemba said. "Come."

He led us through the large wooden back doors and into a foyer type area.

Dimmed lights grew brighter, casting the room in a warm purple light.

"Wow..." Mirabel sighed, spinning to take in the room.

The walls were made of smooth grey stone, and the floor was lain with grey, black, and silver tiles.

In the middle of the floor was Iseda's symbol.

The ceiling was made of glass, providing an excellent view of the towering mahogany trees.

"Upstairs, our iyanu (wonder) rests." Ikemba said, looking at me. "It has provided us safety and blessings for generations."

I turned to Ikemba.

"What kind of blessings?" I asked.

"For instance, my blessing is teleportation."

"And what about your sister?" Mirabel asked.

Ikemba sighed, a slightly annoyed expression on his face.

"She's...fast." he said, shrugging.

I could tell he was purposely undermining his sister's gift, and smiled at the sibling rivalry.