Way of The Pride

17| The Apprentice

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The sun was at its peak when he returned.

Rain had long stop its relentless downpour as the earth slowly dried up the wetness it had gathered. The household of the healer was as silent as a grave. Even the goats and chickens were not clamouring for food as usual. They warily kept to themselves as if they sensed the tension.

Drained from the events that transpired the healer decided to rest. Though he suspected he just needed time to himself much like his son. With father and son absent, Aniweta was unable to sit still. No amount of tinkering with herbs and dusting sleeping mats would relieve him of his restlessness.

He was also beginning to get tired from staring at the walls and the constant smell of herbs he was surrounded with. His body itched to do something, to drown himself in a task and maybe even clear his mind. He had already tended to the chores in the house so there was nothing to do. Except..

He remembered Agada was supposed to go to the market today. It was an Eke day, the one day in a week where traders, hunters and farmers gather to sell their wares. The market square would be filled with varieties of foodstuffs, fruits and clothing.

Since the runaway son was not around, he might as well go in his stead.

After changing into a more fitting waist-garment, a striking blue material given to him by a reluctant Agada, he began making preparations.

Before leaving he spotted a pouch of cowries lying in the corner of the room, at the foot his sleeping quarters. It must have fallen off Agada sometime in the morning. With the money and raffia bag slung over his cloaked shoulders he was now ready to head out.

"I shall be heading to the market square."

Silence. Not even the sound of moving feet or the rustling of bed reached his awaiting ears. It was silent on the other side as he stood in front of the healer's closed door.

"Pass the mango tree on your way back."

He flinched at the unexpected yet familiar presence. Has he lost his touch? He was not one to be ambushed or taken by surprise so the fact that he was did not sit well with him.

How did he not hear his footsteps?

He growled, irritated. "When did you—"

The words died on his tongue the moment he looked at him.

Power.

It was the only word that could betell the wariness that overcame his mind. His very essence dripped with authority, proclaiming his dominance in the land. It was in his gaze, eyes that carried the wisdom of the world. In was in his stance, a display of confidence and superiority surpassing kings.

Agada did nothing but stand, exist, yet he felt tremors coursing up his legs.

In the period of his hasty exit and return something came back with him. He had changed, a far cry from the man who left on the verge of a breakdown. Somewhere deep in his mind he knew that had transformed into something beyond his imagination.

Was this the real power of a Seer?

What in the name of the goddess happened?

"Make sure to pass the mango tree on your way back."

His eyes held him captive yet they looked distracted, like he was gazing at someone else. Even his voice sounded far away, removed from the present.

All he could do was nod. He watched him turn around, slowly, and walked back to his hut. Even after he left he still stood there confused unable to understand what happened.